The Good

The DVD portion of this release highlights a sold-out show from Tokyo, Japan. I was instantly amazed at the size of the groups following, and the fact that they knew every word of every song. The stage is well-lit, and the band is in perfect voice and tone. Watch out for the double-kick drums and driving keyboards on the chant worthy "Misplaced," because at the hyper-speed in which they come at you will stop you dead in your tracks. Tony Kakko's vocals on "Blinded No More" are both emotional and enduring. Beautiful keyboard playing and audience clapping lead you into "Full Moon..." The track builds as each new instrument is added to the mix.

Virtuoso guitar runs don't get much faster than on "Victoria's Secret." It's not about what you think. Get your mind out of the gutter! Off the top of my head I can't remember what the "8th Commandment" is, but if it were to apply to Sonata Arctica, it must be `thou must shred to a manic drum beat.' Kakko is joined by his fellow band mates (as well as the audience) for a harmonic chorus. Subtle arpeggio guitars set a mellow mood on "Replica." The repetitive melodic chorus has one of those hooks that can't be denied.

Dual guitar runs command "Black Sheep's" instrumental breaks, and fire-off with wind abandon during the solo. Sonata Arctica closes their set with the seven minute epic "The Cage..." It has everything you could ask for in a high-energy power metal number. For time purposes, five songs from the DVD had to be cut for the bonus CD. Included as bonuses on the DVD are a documentary of the tour (complete with subtitles), and a biography and discography for the band.

The Bad

The cursive writing on all of the print material was a little heard to read.

The Verdict

Where have these guys been hiding?! I know that the U.S. isn't the most welcoming of power metal bands, but these guys kick ass! For the Sake of Revenge doesn't just assault your ears with its impactful musical arrangements; it also widens your eyes as you lay witness to the energy and global appeal of this band.

It is impossible to stay sad, apathetic or lethargic while listening to Sonata Arctica. Their music is EXHILARATING! Their latest studio cd, 'Reckoning Night' is a perfect album - a masterpiece of extremely high-energy power metal, stunning keyboards, and emotionally evocative vocals.

All of that is displayed to perfection in their live show. Yes, they actually did tour the US in fall 2006, and I was one of the lucky ones to see them in a small club in Texas. We met the band backstage - very nice guys! And Tony has the best voice in metal! He SINGS! Wow, such a rarity these days!

This dvd captures the energy and totally does the band justice, as they are in their element in a large venue. You'll see dualing guitar and keyboards and rabid fans, and experience the crystal clarity of Tony's voice and the intensely high-energy yet achingly beautiful music. They take you higher, then higher, and when you think you can go no higher, they take you higher still. It's hard to describe and you won't understand until you experience their music.

For new fans, this is a great way to be introduced to one of the very best bands around today. For existing bands, this is a MUST. There are no negatives. It's a perfect live show.

This CD/DVD is what should be expected out of any combo package from any band. It's amazing how little this band is known throughout the United States, and it was incredibly hard for me to find all their CD's. I had to special order two of them from a little local record store and I had to search high and low for Winterheart's Guild, For The Sake of Revenge, and Reckoning Night... but damn, it was worth it.

The only other band on this planet that rivals Sonata Arctica is Dragonforce. It's that simple. But on to the review.

How could you not love this combo? The DVD is shot beautifully, and the band is so energetic. The crowd loves it, and some of Tony's lines from song to song, such as the opening for Victoria's Secret ('who wants to hear some underwear music???') add a comedic element to the performance. The included CD, while missing some songs, is still an amazing deal. And, it still has my personal favorite Sonata track on it, 'Broken'.

If I had one complaint, it would only be that I wish the set list had included Abandoned, Pleased, Brainwashed, Exploited. A must have for everyone.

Sonata Arctica has become one of my favorite metal bands, second only to In Flames...their music is so powerful and this DVD is proof of that. if you are a fan of SA, power metal, or just metal in general, i definitely recommend this DVD.

Power Metal may not the most exposed in North America, but the none the less, it's hard to claim that Sonata Arctica isn't a good band. Their music is fast, loud, melodic, and dramatic, without resorting to screaming "SATAN ATE MY BRAIN!" repeatedly with arbitrary hard beats repeating over and over again. If ever there was music that deserved the term POWER metal, this is it. It's simply powerful music. At least try the samples on this site...you won't be dissapointed.