Sonata Arctica premieres music video for “Dark Empath”

Leading the way to their highly anticipated new offering “Clear Cold Beyond” (to be released on March 8, 2024 through Atomic Fire), Finnish melodic metallers Sonata Arctica have surprised fans with a brand new music video for their single “Dark Empath“.

Telling the story of a character being chased, both mentally and physically, the haunting result, which was created by a team led by director/scriptwriter Miikka Lommi and producer Katja Jokinen, can be viewed below:

Singer Tony Kakko commented on “Dark Empath“. “This track is part of a saga that started with the song ‘The End Of This Chapter’ on our second album »Silence« in 2001 — some even think it started on our debut album — and has many sequels and prequels already. Its stalker theme offers a frame to write songs in a certain style I like very much. People do not seem to mind this, fortunately, haha! It’s not a chronological story, but rather a theme with reoccurring, familiar characters that end up living through variations of the theme over and over again.”

“Clear Cold Beyond” contains 10 tracks reviving the band’s penchant for power metal-esque tunes following their trip to acoustic landscapes during the pandemic. It’s packed with strong songs and fuses the best of all periods of Sonata Arctica‘s multifaceted work: From high-speed anthems such as “First In Line” and “California” to emotion-laden tracks such as “The Best Things” and the closing title track, this record offers something for each and every Sonata Arctica fan.

The album’s artwork, reminiscent of their early works, was created by Niko Anttila and the band returned to mixing engineer Mikko Karmila (Finnvox Studios; “Ecliptica” [1999] – “Stones Grow Her Name” [2012]). Final mastering was handled by Svante Forsbäck (Chartmakers West; Rammstein, Korpiklaani, Delain, The 69 Eyes, Deathstars, etc.) who has also been part of other Sonata Arctica productions.

Pre-order the LP here.

Sonata Arctica live:
“Clear Cold Beyond” Finland Tour 2024
w/ TEMPLE BALLS
Presented by Grey Beard
15.03.2024 FI Tampere – Pakkahuone [TICKETS]
16.03.2024 FI Laukaa – Peurunka Areena [TICKETS]
22.03.2024 FI Lahti – Finlandia-klubi [TICKETS]
23.03.2024 FI Helsinki – Kulttuuritalo [TICKETS]
29.03.2024 FI Kuopio – Sawohouse Underground [TICKETS]
30.03.2024 FI Joensuu – Kerubi [TICKETS]
04.04.2024 FI Turku – Logomo (Teatro) [TICKETS]
05.04.2024 FI Seinäjoki – Rytmikorjaamo [TICKETS]

03.05.2024 NO Kopervik – Karmøygeddon Metal Festival [TICKETS]
11.05.2024 BE Bomal-sur-Ourthe – Durbuy Rock Festival [TICKETS]
31.05. – 02.06.2024 CZ Pilsen – Metalfest [TICKETS]
28. – 30.06.2024 FI Helsinki – Tuska Festival [TICKETS]
05./06.07.2024 FI Tampere – Tuhdimmat Tahdit [TICKETS]
31.07. – 03.08.2024 DE Wacken – Wacken Open Air *SOLD OUT*
02./03.08.2024 FI Pori – Porispere [TICKETS]
07. – 10.08.2024 ES Villena –  Leyendas del Rock [TICKETS]