Today, fans of Finnish melodic metal icons SONATA ARCTICA finally get the chance to experience the group’s previously announced return to their power metal roots as “Clear Cold Beyond” is available worldwide through Atomic Fire. Critically lauded by press, the band’s new offering will of course be presented live during an extensive world tour which kicks off in their home country next (more details can be found below; more dates are in the works…). SONATA ARCTICA also surprise the metal community with another music video besides releasing their new hit album: ‘California,’ which was produced by Jarkko Piipari, gives intimate insights into the group’s daily life on the road and takes viewers to venues and cities around the globe but also to busses, airports and much more. The included footage was collected during recent show activities, and raises the bar of excitement about SONATA ARCTICA‘s upcoming gigs while highlighting one of the most power metal-ish tracks from “Clear Cold Beyond“.
“I can’t give the band enough great credit
for this whirling declaration of love to their past and their fans.”
ROCK HARD (DE), Simon Bauer – 9/10 Points.
“Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to their music,
»Clear Cold Beyond« is sure to leave a lasting impression.”
TUONELA MAGAZINE (FI), Peter Jerman.
“SONATA ARCTICA is back, even if for a moment and I will cherish it.”
METAL-RULES.COM (US), JP – 4,5/5 Points.
Front-man Tony Kakko adds, “This is a song about persons who think that it’s possible and okay to charm and have any and all people for themselves – use and lose – and who don’t care about the amount of pain and broken hearts left behind. And now you’re the target, but you know better and make sure that this will not happen until ‘California falls into the sea,’ what I’ve come to understand is impossible and will never happen, at least in the sense of science fiction. Simply put: The track deals with self-protection. If you’re strong enough, you can of course give such persons a serving of their own poison what can be satisfying.”
»Clear Cold Beyond« contains 10 tracks reviving the band’s penchant for power metal-esque tunes following their trip to acoustic landscapes during the pandemic. It’s packed with strong songs and fuses the best of all periods of SONATA ARCTICA‘s multifaceted work: From high-speed anthems such as ‘First In Line’ and ‘California’ to emotion-laden tracks such as ‘The Best Things’ and the closing title track, this record offers something for every SONATA ARCTICA fan. The album’s artwork, reminiscent of their early works, was created by Niko Anttila and the band returned to mixing engineer Mikko Karmila (Finnvox Studios; »Ecliptica« [1999] – »Stones Grow Her Name« [2012]). Final mastering was handled by Svante Forsbäck (Chartmakers West; RAMMSTEIN, KORPIKLAANI, DELAIN, THE 69 EYES, DEATHSTARS etc.) who has also been part of other SONATA ARCTICA productions.
SONATA ARCTICA are:
Tony Kakko | vocals
Elias Viljanen | guitars
Pasi Kauppinen | bass
Henrik “Henkka” Klingenberg | keyboards
Tommy Portimo | drums
SONATA ARCTICA live:
»Clear Cold Beyond« Finland Tour 2024
w/ TEMPLE BALLS
Presented by Grey Beard
15.03.2024 FI Tampere – Pakkahuone
16.03.2024 FI Laukaa – Peurunka Areena
22.03.2024 FI Lahti – Finlandia-klubi
23.03.2024 FI Helsinki – Kulttuuritalo
29.03.2024 FI Kuopio – Sawohouse Underground
30.03.2024 FI Joensuu – Kerubi
04.04.2024 FI Turku – Logomo (Teatro)
05.04.2024 FI Seinäjoki – Rytmikorjaamo
03.05.2024 NO Kopervik – Karmøygeddon Metal Festival
11.05.2024 BE Bomal-sur-Ourthe – Durbuy Rock Festival
01.06.2024 CZ Pilsen – Metalfest
28. – 30.06.2024 FI Helsinki – Tuska Festival
05./06.07.2024 FI Tampere – Tuhdimmat Tahdit
31.07. – 02.08.2024 DE Wacken – Wacken Open Air *SOLD OUT*
03.08.2024 FI Pori – Porispere
08.08.2024 ES Villena – Leyendas del Rock
09./10.08.2024 FI Kouvola – Koria Roll *NEW*
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