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Sono davvero rimasto sorpreso di fronte all’immenso lavoro dei Sonata Arctica battezzato “Winterheart’s Guild”. Con questo studio album uscito nel recente 2003 è emerso alla luce un salto di qualità enorme rispetto ad Ecliptica e Silence (cd già molto buoni).
La tecnica s’avvia ad assumere una forma più geometrica e coincisa, soprattutto grazie all’ingresso del nuovo pirotecnico tastierista Henrik Klingeberg (non c’è più Tendina, alias Mikko Harkin). La qualità di mixaggio è notevolmente migliorata in quanto si sentono bene i Keyboard & guitar soli e Liimatainen “calma” la sua chitarra. Rimane quasi del tutto ignorato il basso di Marko Paasikoski anche se non è proprio un peccato perché a mio avviso non è un buon bassista (mi è sufficiente vederlo suonare col plettro). Il clima di questo cd crea un atmosfera più leggera rispetto ai due album precedenti sfiorando il Progressive Rock. Ben riuscite sono la pluralità di voci che Tony Kakko registra, inoltre provvede pure alla stesura dei testi, molto maturi e poetici. Quasi ottima è la ritmica affidata a Tommy Portino, se “pestasse” un po’ di meno nelle ballads, sarebbe un gran batterista. Ma il grandissimo pregio di questo disco è la melodia, la facilità e immediata orecchiabilità delle canzoni, in particolare nei ritornelli.
Dato che citerò le canzoni in ordine sparso ci tengo riportare qui la track list, visibile agli occhi di tutti: 1) Abandonned, Pleased, Brainwashed, Exploited 2) Gravenimage 3) The Cage 4) Silver Tongue 5) The Misery 6) Victoria’s Secret 7) Champagne Bath 8) Broken 9) The Ruins Of My Life 10) Draw Me. Silver Tongue, Victoria’s Secret, Champagne Bath, Broken e The Ruins Of My Life formano un concentrato di tecnica d’alto livello con i soliti ritornelli da “Sonata Arctica” cioè orecchiabili. Tra queste una preferenza su Silver Tongue. Abandonned, Pleased, Brainwashed, Exploited contiene una potenza esplosiva ma per niente pesante con un ritornello molto vivo e pieno. Gravenimage è una buona invenzione: comincia solamente con piano + strings, poi si accende con l’entrata degli altri strumenti, mantenendo sempre la melodia iniziale. L’ultima traccia Draw Me è abbastanza triste, malinconica, pur non essendo la mitica Space Die Vest, se l’obiettivo della band è di far crollare il morale dell’ascoltatore direi che ci son proprio riusciti. Vorrei soffermarmi di più su The Cage e The Misery. La prima è una canzone molto viva, col più bel ritornello cantato da Tony Kakko, bellissima è la sborata iniziale del tastierista (non riesco proprio a rinunciare all’accezione di questo termine). Bello pure il chorus di sottofondo finale. The Cage è una delle più belle canzoni Power e per chi volesse conoscere questo sublime genere musicale può farsi un’idea ascoltandola. Manca solo The Misery: inizialmente la si può considerare una sorta di triste ballad malriuscita, invece no ragazzi, no, The Misery è rilassante, coinvolgente e sa anche emozionare. Struggente è l’assolo semplice di Liimatainen sovrapposto al ritornello.
Insomma, voglio ancora sottolineare l’orecchiabilità delle melodie di questo disco che MI E’ PIACIUTO SUBITO AL PRIMO ASCOLTO. Inoltre voglio consigliarlo a coloro che sono abituati al commerciale, al penoso, alla musica carente di tecnica che identificano il Metal semplicemente come “musica pesante”. Definizione fin troppo breve per un mondo così vasto come il Metal e per altro errata: IL POWER E IL PROG METAL NON SONO PESANTI.
Sonata Arctica, un gruppo creatore di canzoni dalla grande vitalità, con artisti dotati di una tecnica fuori dal comune (tranne il bassista), ma allo stesso tempo hanno anima, creatività e personalità.
Elenco tracce testi e video
01 Abandoned, Pleased, Brainwashed, Exploited (05:37)
Wake up my child, hope is here.
With the vengeance, we have no time to bleed.
My only world filled with fear.
I never saw the sower of the seed.
Where is the world we had. Who can ever save you and your little lives.
A child guides a child guided child.
A child is never guilty. But you should not run free...
The grave is open, let us pray without remorse.
Empty the cradle with fire for them once again.
Why not look through your fingers what they've done.
Your own blood will clean the blood, for now the glory days are gone....
It's time for everyone, to think what we have done.
Open your eyes and see, it's not a dream.
You aim for a common goal, you are one with your foe.
If only we could wake up soon and scream.
Abandoned, pleased, brainwashed, exploited, madness has a reason.
Throw money at the problem and it will remain.
Your life has no value for them, "violate me and this never ends.
My children will then hate you too."
The grave is open, let us pray without remorse.
Empty the cradle with fire for them once again,
Why not look through your fingers what they've done.
Your own blood will clean the blood, for now the glory days are gone....
Now, when it seems that we have nothing to believe in.
Maybe we should be waiting for the rock to come.
For our children soon have nothing they should learn.
The grave is open, let us pray without remorse.
Empty the cradle with fire for them once again.
Why not look through your fingers what they've done.
Your own blood will clean the blood, for now the glory days are gone....
It's time for everyone, to think what we have done.
Open your eyes and see, it's not a dream.
You aim for a common goal, you are one with your foe.
If only we could wake up soon and scream.
It's time for everyone, to think what we have done.
Open your eyes and see, it's not a dream.
You aim for a common goal, you are one with your foe.
If only we could wake up soon and scream.
02 Gravenimage (06:58)
We met that night, when the sea ran high
And I craved for more of that nearlove experience
Those who the music hath then joined together,
Are now put asunder…
Remember me, when I lit the fire
To Keep us warm
On a cold winter morning
Now I pass through the moment
Can I still recognize a beautiful melody…
I play a note, but hear no sound
Have I lost my love or the wings I found
When I was young…
…and eager to please anyone who had time…
Needed to sing the very notes I heard
Had to stay in the shadows and seek for the loneliness
Nevertheless, the price was higher than I realized
I was to live alone, ready to make the sacrifice
Was I in love with you…
My old heart, little harder again
Once the light goes out, everything ends
It is time…
Ready to cause a scene, ready to make the sacrifice
Ready to play the note, ready to end the final show
The only thing I know
The Pain is here
To stay I fear
In my eyes
I can change one note and make you cry
In this state of mind
Silence is a crime
How can life be so feigned and cold
I´ve answered the call of every melody, lovingly
Did I find the answers to all my questions
Or a Gravenimage of me…
If I found the hidden fountain
Drank the wisdom from it´s deep
Would I have the time to save me
Would I have them both to keep
03 The Cage (04:35)
A lifetime ago, with frozen eyes they closed the door.
Suddenly I realized what locks are for. No trusting them anymore, lights are out.
Empty the stare, innocent and unaware, dragged out from my home ,my lair.
Earmarked me, hurt me, burned me.
The walls around me, eyes surround me, feed my fear again.
I must be freed or I will die before the harvest moon, my friend.
I do not have another year in me, you've gotta set me free.
The dream is alive, I can run up the hills every night,
go around and see another side of the tree.
Freedom has a meaning for me, howl with me.
Fear in the dark, I advice you. Can't see the eyes, the grow behind you....
It's my song they now sing to you.
You stand no chance....
They'll kill for me, steal back my freedom, set me free, it's my minions vs. thee.
Fiery the vengeance, hate will drain me.
The walls around me, eyes surround me, feed my fear again.
I must be freed or I will die before the harvest moon, my friend.
I do not have another year in me, you've gotta set me free.
The dream is alive, I can run up the hills every night,
go around and see another side of the tree.
All I want is to be untamed and free, howl and (dream).
The dream is alive, with the moon on the hills every night,
run around and see another side of the dream.
Freedom has a meaning for me, you can't tame me...
You will remember the day you crossed my path.
leave me without a guard and you feel my wrath.
What you have done to me has made me bitter and cruel.
I'll see that all the hate you spread returns to you, you, back to you...
The walls around me, eyes surround me, feed my fear again.
I must be freed or I will die before the harvest moon, my friend.
I do not have another year in me, you've gotta set me free.
The dream is alive, I can run up the hills every night,
go around and see another side of the tree.
All I want is to be untamed and free, howl and (dream).
The dream is alive, with the moon on the hills every night,
run around and see another side of the dream.
Freedom has a meaning for me, you can't tame me...
The dream is alive, I can run up the hills every night,
go around and see another side of the tree.
All I want is to be untamed and free, howl and (dream).
The dream is alive, with the moon on the hills every night,
run around and see another side of the dream.
Freedom has a meaning for me...
04 Silver Tongue (03:57)
Mind, filled with fairy tales.
New ones every day.
Don't ask me anything now.
I know what you're waiting.
The curtain to fall.
Names don't mean anything,
Hear the lady sing.
All human rights are now cancelled,
You need to handle the dreams of the day.
You've hurt them many times,
Why apologize?
"They were the ones who were wrong,
What are they waiting?"
Give them a vail.
"Oh, be my valentine",
Play along with an angel with silver tongue,
Play with a stranger.
I never saw anything so white.
Call me Ishmael, if it ain't a lie.
I am blinded by your revealing smile.
I can only be guilty of an innocent try.
You think you are right, in a way.
It is something I hear every day.
I cannot understand you,
To me you live in a world of chaos.
Life is a play you star on,
To you it's all a game.
Why can't I leave today and escape your funny ways?
You are a one person riot,
Far in the horizon.
Done for the day.
I outsmart you, I am wise.
I defeat you any way I like.
But you got me forced into a fall.
I am your slave,
Down on the floor.
I never saw anything so white.
Call me Ishmael, if it ain't a lie.
I am blinded by your revealing smile.
I can only be guilty of an innocent try.
You think you are right, in a way.
It is something I hear every day.
I cannot understand you,
To me you live in a world of chaos.
Life is a play you star on.
To you it's all a game of chaos.
I do feel stronger now,
Why am I still here with you?
You and your silver tongue.
Why do I still play with you?
You think you are right, in a way.
It is something I hear every day.
I cannot understand you,
To me you live in a world of chaos.
Life is a play you star on,
To you it's all a game of chaos.
I cannot understand you,
To me you live in a world of chaos.
Life is a play you star on,
To you it's all a game you play with me.
05 The Misery (05:08)
I write the lines you want me to
With the words I dare to use
Of all the ones that you have taught me
Along the years
You cast a perfect shadow on the paper
Fade away with sunlight
I fear the way you know me
Love can leave a stain
You steal my only hope
And make me stay awake another night
I wish you bear with me
Stay near me
When the autumn leaves have fallen
Solitude, my pain
The last thing left of me
If you fall, I'll catch
If you love, I'll love
And so it goes, my dear
Don't be scared, you'll be safe
This I swear
If you only love me
Seven lonely lies written on Deadwinter's night
Open the only book with the only poem I can read
In blood I sign my name and seal the midnight with a tear
Burn the paper, every line
For them I cried
If you fall, I'll catch
If you love, I'll love
And so it goes, my dear
Don't be scared, you'll be safe
This I swear
If you only love me back
I am the Playwrite and you are my Crown
Make me cry for your love
Like you've done many times
So I know I can't write these storylines without you
Lady Pain, make me strong
Can't we be together without them forever?
The words I write can only hurt you
Sorry for the rain
Thank you my only one
You gave me this pain
I leave you gently on the floor
Take one step towards the door
Where's that letter never written
Goodnight now
If you fall, I'll catch
If you love, I'll love
And so it goes, my dear
Don't be scared, you'll be safe
This I swear
If you only love me
If you fall, I'll catch
If you love, I'll love
And so it goes, my dear
Don't be scared, you'll be safe
This I swear
If you only love me back
If you fall, I'll catch
If you love, I'll love
And so it goes, my dear
Don't be scared, you'll be safe
This I swear
If you only love me
06 Victoria's Secret (04:43)
Light escapes her room tonight
Every little moment tells her, now it's time
Opening a new scar, closing the wounds with a knife
No more crying in the lantern's light
Leave with the first light,
Go when you still see the moon
Run for the sunlight,
Gate is now open for you
Dancing on the path and singing, now you got away
You can reach the goals that you have set from now on everyday
There is no way you would go back now, oh no, those days are past
Life is waiting for the one who loves to live, and it's not a secret
Shades of darkness filled her life
Every single corner you can not turn right
Night could pass for a day, in her lack of faith, she let it all fade away
Once more, a cry in the lantern's light
Lost in the sunlight, leave, you will not see the moon
Walk for the first time, no one has waited for you
Dancing on the path and singing, now you got away
You can reach the goals that you have set from now on everyday
There is no way you would go back now, oh no, those days are past
Life is waiting for the one who loves to live, and it's not a secret
Dancing on the path and singing, now you got away
You can reach fthe goals that you have set from now on everyday
There is no way you would go back now, oh no, those days are past
Life's there for the ones who love to live and take it all, for it is free
Dancing on the path and singing, now you got away
You can reach the goals that you have set from now on everyday
There is no way you would go back now, oh no, those days are past
Life is waiting for the one who loves to live, and it's not a secret
07 Champagne Bath (03:55)
Spare me your tiny talk, kneel down and wash my feet.
Could someone, please, fly you away, out from your misery.
Suck it all in, go ahead and take your daily overdose.
Only do not come and demonstrate me how your mind explodes.
Build yourself a Trojan horse, to stand out in the mass.
Tuck it here before our eyes, then see what comes to pass.
Well - cut version of the turmoil you have caused is on the news.
To present a blased view, for our elevated pastime's due.
The sun won't rise behind you anymore.
Neglected, disconnected.
You seem to need their power even more.
One time more, to die for...
If you - take one step back, you will see what they stuck in your eye.
All the rights for your life are always implied.
If I care what you say there, impersonated form of life.
On your Lilo, limp and only, list your wishes for the night..
The sun won't rise behind you anymore.
Neglected, disconnected.
You seem to need their power even more.
One time more, to die for...
I'm covered with gauze-like steel.
My mind you've rotten to the core.
High apparitor, hear my appeal.
This thing is not to be allowed to breed.
You must be deaf, dumb and blind.
I loath you and your kind. Die.
You keep good company in a Champagne bath and smile with all your faces.
Our day you grace by showing up in ev'ry place. Speed-dial one, call them,
they come and make us see how once again.
They mistreated you, this fame it sure must be a royal pain.
The sun won't rise behind you anymore.
Neglected, disconnected.
You seem to need their power even more.
One time more, to die for...
I see the sun behind you yet once more
08 Broken (05:17)
I was raised from a broken seed, I grew up to be an unwanted weed.
Ever faster the time exceeds me, little harder again to remember...you
Held a torch for you, when lightning struck me, once again, hope I died for the last time.
Only one I have a thing greater than you, little light on the sky, every night
Morning dew on the field, where I met you.
I was frozen a year, couldn't get through.
Got a sign, not a scar, on my shoulder, I am not quite the man you take me for
Fell in love with the weakness within me.
Tried to force me the Ring and own me.
Guess you found what you'd think would oblige me, little version of me to consume you
I'd give my everything to you, follow you through the garden of oblivion.
If only I could tell you everything, the little things you'll never dare to ask me
Do you really know me? - I might be a God.
Show me that you care and have a cry.
How do you see me? - ... as the one?
Can you see my blood when I'm bleeding.
How can you love this exile, and how could I desire you.
When my pain is my pain and yours is too
On this dark winter's night. Darkness becomes this child.
Bless this night with a tear. For I have none I fear...
Seven lives of a man, passed before me.
Seven graves, one for every love I've had.
Only once I have broken my so called heart.
Only one made me see why they cry.
Will I learn how to be one of you someday?
Will I still feel the eyes that behold me?
Will I hear what you think, when you see me?
Will it tear me apart if you feel for me...
I 'd give my everything to you, follow you through the garden of oblivion.
If only I could tell you everything, the little things you'll never dare to ask me
Do you really know me? - I might be a God.
Show me that you care and have a cry.
How do you see me? - ... as the one?
Can you see my blood when I'm bleeding.
How can you love this exile, and how could I desire you.
When my pain is my pain and yours is too...
On this dark winter's night. Darkness becomes this child.
Bless this night with a tear. For I have none I fear...
Little broken , always been, a part of you belongs to me.
You were never mine to love, but this all has made it easy for me
Burning feathers, not an angel, Heaven's closed , Hell's sold out.
So I walk on the earth, behind the curtains, hidden from everyone,
until I find a new life to ruin again...
On this deadwinter's night. Darkness becomes this child.
Bless this night with a tear. For I have none I fear...
On this deadwinter's night. Darkness becomes this child.
Bless this night with a tear. For I have none I fear...
09 The Ruins of My Life (05:14)
The land was then young, I was fighting for it like everyone.
Ready to die for the cause, for my King, for my Lord.
You were my reason to live, to fight another day.
You were the only one for me, and you were only for me.
Another year I would be gone.
The war was leading us so far apart.
I built a house to keep you there.
Waiting for me, waiting...
No one remembers my face nor my name,
In a dream, I'd stay here forever.
Headstone on my grave, words carved in vain....
All these wounds only heal when I'm home.
The Taste of their blood in my mouth, and the scent of victory.
Scarred my soul for life, this man was not me.
Love is a game for the weak to play, they said.
I loved and love made me many times stronger.
Another year I would be gone.
The war was leading us so far apart.
I built a house to keep you there.
Waiting for me, waiting...
No one remembers my face nor my name,
In a dream, I'd stay here forever.
Headstone on my grave, words carved in vain....
All these wounds only heal when I'm home.
"Everything ends...Everything dies...
Now I know the Legends only lived in his lies"
My long and winding road, river and trees by the hills we lived on.
The ruins of my life I find, a signet ring on the ashes, I know my Lord betrayed me,
my reason to live was taken away.
I carry my loved one to the hills we loved, for the last time...
I close your eyes, kiss you goodbye.
The only one who ever loved me.
I'm crushed inside, darling, my life...It shall end here..
Headstone on your grave, words carved in vain...Now the dankness covers me...
10 Draw Me (09:25)
Blessed with an eye to see things as they are, will you draw me?
Up there on the wall, looking down to us all, you never saw me..
I found a pen, and I outlined a life.
You've never cried, I think I saw a tear in your eye.
Your eyes tell the tale, I will not ask again.
Now I see what you've lost nothing is quite the same.
By the love of my heart, cut my drawing in half, for I think I'm like you... Should you draw me...
Waiting for my evenfall.
Farewell, my passion, you slowly turn pale.
I will long for your warmth, made me feel safe.
I will not draw again, 'till I know it's my time.
I have lived a long life, should I draw me...
Morning's here, I must have....failed
Carico i commenti... con calma
