“Unia” is one of the strangest albums that Sonata Arctica have ever recorded. Without hesitation we could say that it is a release of changes, full of novelties and an unexpected sound. “Unia” is not a continuation to the great aggressive songs from the previous record, “Reckoning Night”, nor to any of the older albums. At the same time, these new songs are one of the most interesting offerings that the Finnish boys have ever created. Their fans will be surprised or even confused from the content of the CD, but after several listenings it gets clear that Sonata Arctica’s charm is here again. Actually, it’s almost the same situation as it was with “Ecliptica” and “Winterheart’s Guild” a few years ago. This most piano-orientated, slow, calm and well-balanced album by Sonata Arctica is homogeneous, but also varied. The songs are twelve and the lyrics tell stories about love, hate and the experiences of life, presented by Tony Kakko’s unique vocals. A singer with individual attendance that is brightly demonstrated in “Unia”, his voice - together with the piano - is the main “instrument” in sketching the peaceful soundscape of the new songs. All other musicians are somehow in the background, just helping out for the whole picture. Every song in “Unia” has its own typical style, causing different associations every time you hear it. Sometimes the tracks are vital, then sad and dreamy... The best ones here are “Paid in Full”, “Caleb”, “My Dream's But a Drop of Fuel for a Nightmare” and the great ballad “Good Enough Is Good Enough”. “Unia” is definitely a serious experiment for Sonata Arctica, and if you accept the challenge to give it a chance, you’ll surely be pleased with the result.