On the group's first strike, every song was different from one another and sounded very compact, efficient and focused. Up next, the songwriting isn't as poignant as on the predecessor. In my opinion, the band made the right decision to stop copying itself and exploring new soundscapes which makes Sonata Arctica one of the most interesting bands in the melodic power metal genre. The band has changed that approach later on in its career which has lead to more experimental records that are loved by some and loathed by others such as Unia. While this album includes all the band's trademarks such as variable melodic vocals, energetic drum patterns, dynamic bass guitar sounds, fast and harmonious guitar sounds as well as atmospheric, cinematic and epic keyboard layers, the band fails to push the limits and try out anything new on this output.

While this record is still very good, it can't however compete with the band's first strike for three specific reasons.įirst of all, stagnation has never been a key to success. Sonata Arctica's first strike Ecliptica is one of the greatest melodic power metal records ever conceived, so it only makes sense that the Finnish quintet didn't change its style when writing, recording and publishing its second output Silence.

Sonata arctica silence full album