The fourth full-length release from Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica; Reckoning Night is similar to previous recordings, but fails to make the same mark as albums like Silence and Ecliptica.

Continuing to push the limits of a neo-cock rock attitude with a twist of brilliant rhythms and chorus hooks, Finland’s Sonata Arctica returns to the studio with their latest effort, Reckoning Night. The album plays off much of the work the band has done with their previous three releases and several E.P.s they’ve put out: a raw combination of 80’s styled power rock, with heartfelt 80’s metal vocals that somehow manage to off set the entire composition. Although the album fails to make the immediate impact that discs like Silence and Ecliptica did, there’s a hint of perseverance that pushes through the track list. The band's loyalty to their own style is admirable, and even manages to attract a large following from hard-core death metal fans. Perhaps it’s the true sound behind the recordings that makes this feat possible.
Some of the soloing power has come back from other discs, with a shredder in 'Blinded No More', which also boasts a ballad like style. The pure pulsing nature of the following track 'Ain’t Your Fairytale' is something native to both band and album. 'Don’t Say a Word' is another track modelled after the band’s ballad style, and is perhaps the strongest track on the disc. 'My Selene' is a close runner-up, following the same format as the former.
The bands/albums operatic power metal style carries out throughout this piece and is probably the reason the music is so infectious. A shot from the past fuelled by modern metallic sound.