The Ninth Hour cover

Released 10 years ago

The Ninth Hour

Sonata Arctica · 2016

62 min · 11 tracks · power metal

A symphonic blend of soaring melodies, intricate guitar work, and lyrical storytelling that defines Sonata Arctica's power metal essence.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • gradual build to emotional climax
  • soaring melodies for introspection
  • lyrical storytelling with depth
  • immersive listening for focused sessions
  • anthems for late-night reflection

Maybe skip if you want

  • seek instant gratification tracks
  • prefer upbeat, short songs

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on October 7, 2016, 'The Ninth Hour' is Sonata Arctica's ninth studio album, arriving after their critically acclaimed album 'Pariah's Child.' At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their sound while exploring deeper lyrical themes and refining their musical complexity.
Stylistic neighbors
Nightwish· Epica· Blind Guardian

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Closer to an Animal 5:22
  • 2 Life 5:06
  • 3 Fairytale 6:38
  • 4 We Are What We Are 5:25
  • 5 Till Death’s Done Us Apart 6:06
  • 6 Among the Shooting Stars 4:10
  • 7 Rise a Night 4:28
  • 8 Fly, Navigate, Communicate 4:27
  • 9 Candle Lawns 4:32
  • 10 White Pearl, Black Oceans, Pt. II: “By the Grace of the Ocean” 10:13
  • 11 On the Faultline (Closure to an Animal) 5:34

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata