Sounds like the original. But worse. So I'd rather listen to the 15 year old song. Talk about an album which really didn't need to be re-recorded. Not that I can think of any album which needs to be. An album is a representation of the band and the band at that time. Although there are some re-recorded tracks by bands here and there which I really enjoy, sometimes more than the original, I really don't feel the need for it. And as I said, especially not when that original album is "Ecliptica".

It sounds the same yet somehow different...thinner or something. Maybe it's just because I know it's re-recorded, or maybe they're putting their new more minimalist spin on it but I agree with the others, this didn't really need to be re-recorded. For a debut album, the quality was fine. Way better than most debut albums you hear from metal bands. That said, I'll probably pick it up, the artwork is nice.

I totally agree. this was needless work. why should I buy this CD? sounds fine, but I have the original Ecliptica and it's good enough! there is nothing new or special on 2014 album...except the bonus track. I am curious about their new stuff, not this...

Agree with just about everything. I sounds good but it's not really that different from the original. I listened the the old version trying to find any difference. Well musically quite the same but imo the newer version lack the attitude the original had

Yeah, I just dont' see the point of this either. I enjoyed the tune but I don't find it different enough from the original for me to buy the album. The bonus track doesn't intrigue me at all.

I will hold out my interest for some of the other tracks. This could still be worth buying. But generally, I agree with the comments here. This song sounds almost identical to its original conception back in 1999.

Well that was...somehow shallower musically. Can't really knock the band for wanting to make a few extra euros, mind - blame the Japanese label execs.

As they were the band that got me into metal, I must say I do miss the classic Sonata sound. Still, I'd much sooner have Tony keep on plugging away until he hits upon something new that sounds great rather than rehashing himself to pander to the diehards. Maybe let the band share the songwriting duties next time: "My Selene" worked out quite well.

Written by Ruchesko on 13.09.2014 at 13:37

Well that was...somehow shallower musically. Can't really knock the band for wanting to make a few extra euros, mind - blame the Japanese label execs.

As they were the band that got me into metal, I must say I do miss the classic Sonata sound. Still, I'd much sooner have Tony keep on plugging away until he hits upon something new that sounds great rather than rehashing himself to pander to the diehards. Maybe let the band share the songwriting duties next time: "My Selene" worked out quite well.

Having the rest of the band join in with the writing might lead to an interesting mix of styles. Henrik's side-project, Mental Care Foundation, are (or were) kind of a Pantera-lite style thrashy thing, and I think Wildfire proved that Sonata can go heavier with good results. Elias has released two songs with vocals that I know of, one of them actually featuring Tony, and they ended up being melodic rock. So there's scope there for them to go in a number of directions with those two.

They have clearly tried to experiment with different sounds, from Unia onwards (well, Reckoning Night is quite a bit different from what came before it), but whilst I've enjoyed The Days of Grays, Stones Grow Her Name and Pariah's Child there's always been a sense of "let's try this and see if it works" to some of the songs, as opposed to a "yeah, this is definitely going to sound good" feel.

As a band that seems as though they're searching for a new sound that works for them, it feels strange that they've chosen to go back to their first album, and re-record it in exactly the same way, with minimal changes. I'd much rather they just left it alone and tried to move forwards, but if they have to re-record an old album I'd like them to change it up a bit. Try the songs in different styles, that sort of thing. Otherwise it seems a bit pointless to me.

Written by Warman on 12.09.2014 at 16:44

Sounds like the original. But worse. So I'd rather listen to the 15 year old song. Talk about an album which really didn't need to be re-recorded. Not that I can think of any album which needs to be. An album is a representation of the band and the band at that time. Although there are some re-recorded tracks by bands here and there which I really enjoy, sometimes more than the original, I really don't feel the need for it. And as I said, especially not when that original album is "Ecliptica".

That's not always true. Take, for example, Nightwish's "Dark Passion Play." Can you imagine how haunting "The Poet's Pendulum" or how hardcore "Bye Bye Beautiful" could sound with Floor's voice?

Hmmm.... chunkier guitars, especially on the lead tone... livelier, more emotive, vocals mixed closer to the front; heavier bass; tighter soloing; darker lead synths, crisper harpsichord sounds...
To me, this was worth it and sounds much more mature. Not better, just more grown up.
I love it!