Sonata Arctica – “Reckoning Night”
Album number four finds the band once again delivering catchy, catchy power metal. Actually, it’s surprising that singer/main songwriter Tony Kakko manages to write virtually all the songs and still make it pretty diverse and make it sound so easy. What is this guy putting in the music to make it so instant? Well, lots of hooks, an overall upbeat rhythm. Plus, the fact that he has a really good voice only helps, too. The one issue that is keeps coming up with power metal guitar work is the play-on riff and Sonata Arctica’s speedy delivery uses it quite a bit, though this album seems to be less speed oriented. I really like all Sonata Arctica albums. I think this band is excellent. However, are they painting themselves into a corner here?