Sonata Arctica’s “The Ninth Hour” was released about a week ago. This is the band’s ninth full album and they’ve continued to progress as they go but without ever leaving their roots behind. The title refers to the time of day reserved for prayers by the faithful. The album sounds a little lighter in nature and sound than some of the others the band has done but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
They’ll be coming by San Francisco on December 2nd. They were last in the bay area in March as support for Nightwish. This time they’ll be the headliner accompanied by Leaves’ Eyes and Omnium Gatherum.
Quick picks: “Closer to an Animal,” “Life,” “Rise a Night”