Customer Reviews

Winterheart's Guild

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Winterheart's Guild(2003). Sonata Arctica's third studio album.

Unlike most people on this site apparently, I DON'T hate power metal. I'm not one who slags the whole genre off upon the discovery of other music like progressive rock and other styles like a lot of people do. When I first came across the genre years ago, I was in heaven. There were a lot of really cool albums by bands like Stratovarius, Labyrinth, Dream Evil, Blind Guardian, Primal Fear, Hammerfall, and others that brought forth the nostalgic sounds of some of my favorite 80s metal bands, though with the benefit of modern production technology. Sure, the subject matter among many of these bands can come across as goofy (almost bearing a Manowar quality at times), but most people seem to miss the point that none of it is meant to be taken seriously.

Of course, my interest in Power Metal has waned since then, but only because after a while, most of the bands I came across started to sound a lot alike with very little to separate them apart from others and make me want to come back for more. It seemed like all the bands had the same machine-gun double bass drumming, Malmsteen-inspired guitar solos, harpsichord keyboard soloing, and Geoff Tate-inspired singing. In short, I needed more _variety_.

Thankfully, bands like Sonata Arctica, Kamelot, and Nightwish are around to show the rest how to make a good, memorable band.

To me, Sonata Arctica sounds like a bigger, better, more realized Stratovarius. I'd known about the band for a while, and I've always loved the song 'Power Of One' off of Silence(2001) which was my first introduction to them. I finally saw one of their albums in the store the other day, and since I'm always looking for good music, I figured "why not?". After listening to this album several times now, I can honestly say that this was one of the best purchases I've made all year. While I do like Stratovarius, the problem I had with them is that their albums would have a couple of really outstanding songs on them, followed by several by-the-numbers tracks which they've formulated to death over and over again. Sonata Arctica has no problems like this. This band takes Stratovarius's sound as a main template, and infuses their own creative songwriting melodies and lyrical topics into it, creating a very memorable and varitable collection of songs. Their singer has that familiar Finnish accent, though it's combined with a real passionate performance. The guitarist always seems to play the right riff at the right time, varying it up from soulfull crunchy riffs to great solos that bring Glen Tipton of Judas Priest to mind. Keyboards go from solo-esque battles to goosebump-inducing atmospheric passages that compliment the melodies.

Picking out favorite tracks on this album is a very difficult thing to do, but the ones that seem to stand out the most are 'APBE', 'Gravenimage', 'The Cage', 'Silver Tongue', 'Champaign Bath', and 'Broken'. 'APBE' and 'The Cage' are two of the fast speed metal tracks, while 'Gravenimage' and 'Broken' both sport unique, melodic overtones to them. 'Champaign Bath' is fast, fun metal that takes you for a hellova ride. Then there's two nice ballads to top the album off: 'The Misery' and 'Draw Me'. These ballads thankfully aren't syrup-drenched like a lot of ballads can get. There aren't any bad tracks in the bunch, and there's something to please anyone that is looking for variety.

Replayability: High. Makes for a perfect power metal fix.

WG proved to be a great starting point for me, and I highly suggest anyone else who sees this album in the stores to give it a shot. They also have a new album out, Reckoning Night(2005) as well as two earlier albums, Ecliptica(1999) and Silence, which many consider their best work. If WG is any indication, then I can't wait any longer to hit up on the other albums. One of the lyrics in the song 'Gravenimage' asks "Can I still recognize a beautiful melody?". Yes, you certainly can, and you're certainly one of the best bands in the business at it.

Other recommendations:
-Any other Sonata Arctica album. ALL are outstanding. (judging by the soundclips)
-'Visions' by Stratovarius
-'Epica' and 'The Black Halo' by Kamelot
-'Oceanborne', 'Wishmaster', and 'Century Child' by Nightwish

As originally written (by me) for RoyalCarnage.com:

Finnish melodic metallers return with Winterheart's Guild, their third effort, and perhaps their strongest to date. All their hooks are in place, their ducks in a row, SONATA ARCTICA seems more determined than ever before this go `round, as if they truly have something to prove, something to impress upon the casual listener.

Songs like "The Cage," "Silver Tongue," or album opener "Abandoned..." demonstrate that SONATA ARCTICA haven't lost even the slightest edge, and are all deliciously strong rockers in the true power metal fashion. "The Misery" harkens back to 1989, when the power ballad ruled. It's not going too far out on a limb to draw a comparison to THE SCORPIONS at this point; I hear so much in SONATA ARCTICA that allows them to transcend just being a "metal" band, much like the SCORPIONS were able to broaden their appeal to encompass a greatly varied audience. SONATA ARCTICA has that same ability. Then take a song like "Gravenimage," which seduces you with a delicate intro, the listener hanging on every syllable to weep forth from lead singer Tony Kakko's mouth, before exploding in your face like a thoroughbred bursting from the starting gate. In fact, now would probably be a decent time to mention Kakko's impeccable vocal performance. Longtime fans of SONATA ARCTICA already realize that very few are in Kakko's league when it comes to pipes. It might be hard to believe, but they're even stronger on this album, soaring powerfully over the incendiary guitars, rapid-fire drumming and majestic keyboards. But unlike the 1st two albums, Kakko's range on this new one is tremendous; he has truly matured into one of the great vocalists of our time. Perhaps even more impressive is that while the band was searching the music world for a new keyboardist (to replace the departed Mikko Harkin), Kakko himself went back to tickle the ivories as he did on their debut album, and once again, the result is astonishing! STRATOVARIUS keyboardist Jens Johansson guest solos on a few tracks, but Kakko's keyboards are absolutely enchanting, occasionally jumping to the forefront and combining with the guitars to create full, rich melodies, and occasionally remaining in the background to enhance the already deep soundscape.

SONATA'S debut album, Ecliptica, was marked by blistering rockers and sentimental, emotional balladry. Their follow-up, Silence, continued along this vein, but didn't quite match up to the sonic fury of the original. Winterheart's Guild takes a darker route, but the end result is spectacular, mixing and matching the best elements of their previous two albums into a single gratifying listening experience. While not a perfect album, the seeds are in place for SONATA ARCTICA to join the power metal "A-list." If you haven't yet checked this band out, and are looking for a stellar addition to your melodic metal collection, look no further than this.

This band brings depth, quality, and skill to the table for our enjoyment. They can go fast, like Dragonforce, but they also know how to make a ballad. I prefer their harder stuff though, but don't have to skip tracks because it is all very good. Sometimes you can hear Tony Kakko's Finnish accent, but it does not detract from the music in my opinion. I have Reckoning Night and Ecliptica (in addition to Winterheart's Guild) and they are also worth getting. If you like Sonata Arctica's style, make sure you pick up all 3 titles that I mentioned. They are very satisfying.

After the Silence I have eagerly waited Sonata Arctica's next studio album. My wishes are granted and Sonata have made its best album. I didn't believe that is could happen because Silence and Ecliptica are so great albums that it was almost impossible to made better fellower. Kakko has showed that his song and lyrics writing skills are not lost. He has written strange, touching, variable, funny, marvelous and personal texts. Gravenimage is an unique song, that begins to ballad part, contains faster parts and ends to wolves' howling. Keyboards are awesome and melody is great. Victoria's Secret is song that tells women's undewears. Hah! I am just kidding! It is a sad story about woman whose past is very painful and she wants to new start fo her life but she cant' do it. Champagne Path tells famous people funs whose pictures are often in tabloids.
Song is fun and ironic story for them. There are some tracks that uses Sonata's basic powers for exemple Abonded, Pleased, Brainwashed and Exploited which is a fine opener track for album and live gigs. The Cage and The Ruins of My Life are also basic power showers. Kakko has made some songs that shows his skills to do something new. Broken, Gravenimage and Silver Tongue are evidence for little change of wind direction. I have two little stories for you rewiever.

First story ( Lintupaisti )
When I was in collage there was one strange boy who liked to chemistry. He was in classroom and Chemistry teacher was teaching. Window was open. Suddenly, boy said: Tuolta ikkunasta tulee haukka! Tehdään siitä lintupaistia!( finnish text) Translated: Look over there! Here comes the edge! Let's make it food! Sonata Arctica's Winterheart Guild's album the last song is Draw Me. At the end of the Draw Me you can hear these words: Oktää jokin Greanbeanasenne. Lintupaisti! Lintupaisti! Hah hah!
It's possible that Kakko have heard someone that legendary bird story and he wanted to use lintupaisti word in album because it was funny.
Second Story ( The Camp for handicapped people )
I was dj in the handicapped people's camp and I played Sonata Arctica's song called Misery for Winterheart's Guild. Almost everyone liked that song and wanted to dance. Sonata's music can like all kind of people!
- If you like melodic power metal ( Stratovarius, Helloween...)
you love this album.
- Finally, It takes some time to find all fine elements for this album. Album last many listening times! Long live Sonata Arctica!

I'm not sure what to call this CD other than genius. This was the first CD I've heard from Sonata Arctica and it's still my favorite.

I'm not really really big on power metal/epic metal, but I defintely enjoy SA and Kamelot. With that said, I think this CD can even entertain those not interested in power metal. My friend enjors radio rock and rap, but after hearing me play this CD where we work, he begged me to make him a copy.

Towards the actual CD, i'm not quite sure I can put what's in it into words. Songs like Silver Tongue and Broken have a very distinct, unique sound. The ballads, Draw Me and The Misery are both superb efforts, each making the listener feel Tony Kakko's pain. My favorite song would have to be a dead heat between The Misery and Gravenimage.

The keyboardist in this band works in overdrive in each song. He plays fast, and keeps the melody in each beautiful and interesting (and lighthearted at times). The guitarist plays very fast when he needs to, and the right power chords other times. He's quite good. Overall, the sound they eminate is as uplifting as it is rocking. They do a great job.

The lyrics seem much better than older releases (english lessons?) but still can be a bit odd. "...with long haired drummer in band" springs to mind. Still at least they write about mundane things... I love Kamelot, but the Knight in Shining armor routine will get old eventually. Anyway, the vocals are very well done, he obviously quite talented and the band harmonizes quite well, too. (They'd make Queen jealous!)

Overall, I can't praise this CD enough. Every song is an adventure, none of them a tedious or unnecessary one at that. I would say that anyone could enjoy this CD, but I'd first recommend it to those who are tired of the American screamfest metal that's going on today. Then I'd recommend it to power metal fans, and so on.

Simply put, this is one of the best CDs I own. Give it a chance.

I have been hearing Sonata Arctica for quite a while, First, I bought the Album "Silence", a masterpiece, then I obtained their key album "Ecliptica" A Real Adventure, then I ventured myself to hear Winterheart's Guild, and I only have 1 word to describe its graciousness, INTOXICATING...
I'll describe tracks, and my impression of them...

1. Abandonned, Pleased, Brainwashed, Exploited: The album starts with a breath-taking and powerful song. Tony Kakko's vocals are just great;There is some powerful drumming, doble bombo, along with some catchy riffs. A Great opening for a great album (Empty the cradle, let us pray without remorse, Empty the cradle and fire for them once again...)

2. Gravenimage: This 7-minute power ballad starts with some soft vocals and a charming piano, and as the song goes on, it starts to gain some speed. A great song, I give 5 stars to this one

3. The Cage: Every Sonata Album has 1 song talking about wolves isn't it??(Ecliptica: Fullmoon, Silence: Wolf and Raven, Reckoning Night: Ain't your Fairytale) And well, this is Winterheart's. There is very powerful keyboarding, there are notably catchy solos, speed drumming as always is outstanding, and there is also great performance coming from Jani the guitarrist, Good Song.

4. Silver Tongue: This song is good, but there are better songs in the album, there is excellent keyboarding from Jens Johannson from Stratovarius. I give this song 4 stars

5. The Misery:I don't know why people keep underrating this song, I find it so pretty!! Much better than "Draw Me".
I like the lyrics, though the song is slow and will put some guys to sleep. I give this one 4 stars

6. Victoria's Secret: This is a "POWERFUL" Song, powerful keyboard, powerful guitars, powerful lyrics. It's one of the singles in the album, I find this song very carchy, Maginificent.

7. Champagne Bath: This song is the "weird" song in the album, you guys can see, It is a good song though, there are some strange rythms and keyboard solos, but anyways, it fits well into the album.

8. Broken: Ahh this is it, the "Dark" song of the album, this is a great song, there are some depressing lyrics (in my point of view) the music is quite different comparing with other Sonata ballads.

9. The Ruins of My Life: God, I love this song! It tells the story of a man who is returning from war, to find her wife dead in his come back. The song starts with a "mystic" breeze, transforming into a powerful - doble bombo song that I find very catchy, a very dark ending, I consider this should be the last song of the album, it fits perfectly. The final part "Headstone on your grave, words carved in vain now that darkness covers...meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee" really gets me, it's impressive.

10. Draw Me: After the obscure ending of "The Ruins of My Life" There is a "bizarre" track changing, between 9 and 10.
Draw Me is a tranquil ballad, there are some depressing lyrics, I like it, but in my point of view, The Misery is better.

Well guys, that's it. If you like Sonata Arctica, you'll by this album, like it or not is your judgement. Sonata keeps getting better by each album, the musicians upgrade their skill with their instruments, and heed my words my friends, Every Sonata Arctica album has somethin different.

These guys are absolutely unbeleivable. Their music is high quality european classically-infused operatic metal. All their albums are awesome but I particularly love this one. Epic songwriting throughout with a great balance of power metal, power ballads and power opera. This album has stunning vocal melodies sung with passion and emotion. Great guitar sounds and brilliant guitar solos. Magical keyboards and outstanding speed solos. Tight and fast rythm section. This is really a perfect album in this genre of music and highly recommended to fans of Kamelot and Symphony X.

Brilliant.Stupendous.Call it what you will,but whatever you say,make it positive,cos this band deserve it.

I'd say 8/10 tracks on this album are 5 star songs,the others 4.Skip nothing on this album.

Tony Kakko's vocals are varied and harmonic,and his keyboard playing is excellent too.But the whole band make vital contributions.

It remains a mystrey to me that bands like this dont get recognition over here.

I was Expecting alot from Sonata's upcoming record, was it going to be as good as Silence their previous effort? The answer to this questions is not so easy to answer so let me break it down for you.

The collection of songs found on Winterheart's Guild are very melodic and fast. Yes the album flows much faster than silence due to lots of fast paced songs. The songs contain less Guitar solos than Silence which had plenty. The keyboard playing is very good, lots of amazing solos and atmospheres very well created. They even had Stratovarius's Jenns Johanson play a couple solos for them. Tony Kakko's voice got way better, he almost lost his accent, and still has it's charm. The only thing that's really missing is one or two power ballads or mid-tempo songs such as GravenImage, The Misery or Broken, because most of the fast songs tend to sound alike. So i'd say anyone who likes wicked fast songs that are very well done, will be very happy with this release, and those like me who like mid-tempo songs will feel they should have balanced it a little more but in the end both will love this record, it's very much heart warming.

Is it better than silence? I'd say it comes close, but due to the lack of mid-tempo songs(1 or 2), Silence gets the upper hand.
But i'm sure some of you out there will prefer Winterheart's Guild to Silence because it contains more fast paced songs. It's all a matter of taste.

RATING: 4.5/5

HIGHLIGHTS : Graven Image, The Misery, Silver Tongue, Victoria's Secret, Broken, Draw Me.

i'm not going to write a long review, just simply enforce the idea that this is a great record. the first time i heard it, i was blown away. it has a very unique sound and very addictive. if you've never listened to power metal before and are looking for soemthing extremlly creative try this.