RuneWalsh2112
After being quite excited for the shift in quality on "Reckoning Night" it only felt natural for me to revisit some of the early Sonata Arctica. But right when I got the notion to do so I got the news of this live release that would document the the band's supporting tour. Since I've very much enjoyed the band's Sweden Rock Festival 2005 performance, where they performed (if the memory serves me right) this exact setlist, it only felt natural to revisit this great performance.
It was definitely a lot of fun to hear this setlist performed in just the same manner as I heard it during the Sweden Rock gig but I somehow felt that these songs never actually lifted and created a statement of their own. Yes there are a few vocal variations here and there plus a few updated keyboard solos, but it dawns pretty soon on any listener of a power metal live album that this music cannot be enjoyed in the same way when the performance has been encapsulated on a disc. Tony Kakko does a solid performance in his role as the frontman and I vividly remember how he completely dominated the stage with his rock star attitude and enigmatic/dazzling presence. These qualities are somewhat diminished here since what we mostly hear is a vocalist who does a solid performance but the charisma just doesn't translate on this record.
**** star songs: Misplaced (4:43) Blinded No More (5:16) Fullmoon/White Pearl, Black Oceans... (5:49) Victoria's Secret (5:03) Broken (5:26) 8th Commandment (3:56) Shamandalie (3:54) Kingdom For A Heart (4:17) Replica (4:08) My Land (4:36) Black Sheep (4:00) Don't Say A Word (6:35) The Cage/Vodka (Hava Nagila) (7:30)
*** star songs: Intro (Prelude For Reckoning) (2:16) Gravenimage (2:23)