Music of 2009 - Part VIII

3. Cain’s Offering – Gather the Faithful

This is what power metal is all about. Fast guitars, tantalizing keyboards, cheesy lyrics. And here’s the kicker… This is this Finnish super-group’s first album. Formed by guitarist extraordinaire Jani Liimatainen after leaving Sonata Arctica, Jani gathered a group of all star musicians from all over the country to help with this record. Singer Timo of Stratovarius, keyboardist Mikko of Essence of Sorrow, (also formerly from Sonata Arctica), bassist Jukka of Wintersun, and new drummer Jani “Hurtsi” to finalize this killer lineup. As for the music, what more can be said. This is near perfection. It’s fast, it’s catchy, and it’s one of the best records I can recall listening to. I was literally in awe for the duration of the album. Gather the Faithful is one of those records that can pick you up on a bad day. Yes, it’s that powerful. Timo’s voice soars above the torrent of Jani’s virtuoso guitar riffs and the complement of Mikko’s insane keyboard skills make this something truly memorable. Put your iPod’s on repeat because this one’s a keeper.

Music of 2009 - Part VII

4. Sonata Arctica – The Days of Grays

Now, here’s a band that that is able to grasp and hold onto greatness. While their sound has changed over the years from straight power metal to a kind of symphonic/power/prog hybrid, Sonata Arctica still maintains the high level of energy power metal requires while expanding their horizons. Coming from Finland, (so they already have the formula to rock), Sonata began as a Stratovarius clone, but with this new album it’s hard to see any similarities between The Days of Grays and their debut. You will find the typical Sonata tracks here. Songs about love, Wolves, betrayal, winter, ect… but never before have they been so bombastic. If Tony Kakko was aiming at something this grandiose when he wrote this record, then bravo sir, you have made a strong contender for best written album of the year. While they hit a bump on the road with their last record, The Days of Grays see this band back in prime form. Good to have you guys back.