innish power metal heroes Sonata Arctica are
creeping up on the Oct. 7 release of The Ninth Hour, which also
happens to be their ninth studio album. The hyper-melodic outfit
have just unveiled the music video for the empowering new single
“Life.”
The song opens up with a bed of lush synths and a spotlight guitar
melody before the slightly energetic mid-tempo kicks
emphatically guide the folksy licks that follow. Scenes of gorgeous
greenery and a massive tree enter the fold, setting the tone for the
natural wonder that “Life” details. An elderly woman is then seen
caressing a toddler, which fades to a woman leading someone in a
field as they join hands. The clip also fades back to the woman and
toddler who link hands as well, furthering the powerful imagery
before the uplifting chorus takes over.
“I tried desperately to have at least one positive, uplifting song
on this album and maybe this is it,” remarked singer Tony Kakko. “I
always struggle writing positive lyrics, that’s the thing. We’ve
been called ‘happy metal’ many times because of the melodies and so
on, but lyrics are usually something that do not walk the sunny side
of the road. They contrast the music. ‘Life’ anyway, is telling
people to find good things in life, find the things hurting and
causing harm and replacing them with positive things with help of
friends. Go out and be together with people, share experiences,
live. I know it’s a dumb thing to say, but life is better alive.”
Pre-orders for The Ninth Hour can be placed through the Nuclear
Blast webshop or
digitally here.
Catch Sonata Arctica on their North American tour this fall, which
kicks off on Nov. 6 in Charlotte, N.C. A full list of stops can be
found at our 2016 Guide to Rock +
Metal Tours.