19:22 Sonata Arctica Delivers Everytime

Yet again, Kemi's gift to the universe, Sonata Arctica, busted out a gig that their grandchildren and the granchildren's siblings can be proud of for years to come. Last year they played the best show ever at the Metelli club so the expections were very high. What would the arctic sonatas sound like at the imposing main stage? The threat of rain was present at this highlight of the festival but the singing virtuoso Tony Kako lead the audience to defy the presence of the rainclouds: the rain drop count on the shoulder- three. Sonata Arctica works in the out doors as well and succsseeds at infecting the crowd with their power metal attitude even in worse weather.

The band played in a delightfully precise manner. Their playing also appeared deceavingly easy and they seemed to really enjoy themselves. Nowadays, Sonata Arctica's repertuare consistes of both intense power tunes as well as heart breaking metal ballads. Of the latter, I was especially touched by the amazingly beautiful Shamandalie. I think I detected a bit of teasing from the lead singer towards the keyboard player Henrik Klingenberg,who wore a Scottish kilt. Had Henkka sipped a little too much booze before the gig or might there have been another reason for his slipping fingers? The band didn't let this affect their show though and they maintained a strong hold on the audience from the beginning to the end. They closed with traditional vodka shout outs, smoke on the water and a group hug. Thanks Sonata for a lovely gig as always.

Text: Mikko "Roihu" Roihuvuo

Pic: Minna Pahkin

Translation: Karoliina Brodsky

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