Clear Cold Beyond

Clear Cold Beyond is a powerful work on which Sonata Arctica again strongly steered toward the speed of Nordic melodic power metal. After the more introspective direction of the previous Talviyö, it powerfully regains the band’s native speed and lift. Speed-filled powerful rhythm, the keyboards’ sparkling brilliance and dramatically rising vocal melody combine, creating a sure exhilaration evoking the initial impulse. Even as veterans, its appeal has not faded in the least. From the powerful drive of the opener “First in Line” and the drama of “California” to a cut like “Shah Mat,” every song is engaging, while cuts like “Dark Empath” and “Cure for Everything” convey the work’s fullness. Yet rather than ending as mere return to the past, there is a mature organization of sure songwriting cultivated over a long, rich career. Without overly flaunting complexity, it deftly leads the development to where the melody shines most beautifully. Thus the whole album flows truly lightly and powerfully. Cold-hued, transparent, beautiful lyricism and warm, lifting emotion coexist extremely naturally. An engaging, fulfilling work that beautifully united the veteran Sonata Arctica’s return to origins and its maturity — a record showing the band’s vigor.