Nuclear Blast
I know it’s been some time since the Finnish outfit has released this, but I feel I need to put in my two cents on what I think could be their strongest album to date…
The band grabbed my attention when I heard the song “The End of This Chapter”, still one of the greatest power metal songs I’ve heard. I feel that this is the benchmark for the band and they did not meet that standard again over the years, despite numerous attempts to do so. Sonata Arctica took a different approach for this work, producing a more mid-tempoed album rather than the speedy songs they are more renowned for releasing. This is a more mature approach and, as a result, better crafted songs are brought to the fore. Tony Kakko sounds as good as ever, while the guitars are much heavier and in-your-face…not a bad thing. Two ballads are on offer here too, to further showcase Sonata Arctica’s capabilities (“Don’t Be Mean” and the bonus track “Tonight I Dance Alone”).
While not what the fans of the speedier Sonata Arctica will want to hear, the heaviness of the majority of the songs may pacify them. Well-crafted songs, with a touch of finesse here and there, make this arguably their finest release to date.
****1/2
Nick van der Meulen
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
Josh now hosts “Taerk’s Tracks” as part of the Singer Songwriter Sunday sequence on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio.
This is the first show broadcast on 27 September. Josh presents some of his inspirational artists and tracks.
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 27 September 2026.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 26 October 2026
BLACK RIVER DELTA Shame On You (Despotz Records)
DAYTONA Listen To The Silence (Escape Music)
SUCKERTRAP Sacred Lies (indie)
WOOD BURNT RED Count My Blessings (indie)
BLACKLIST UNION Heavy Is The Crown (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 26 October 2026
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)
Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.
If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:
If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device
(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
