Caleb Wolfbrand
Smash Master
Link to original post: [drupal=2134]A small tribute to Tony Kakko, Sonata Arctica, and the perfect song to my heart[/drupal]
disclaimer : never posted a blog on the boards before. I liked how this one turned out, so I figured I'd share. Kind of a strange topic maybe but I hope someone understands. This was intended to be posted on LJ/myspace so some things might get lost in translation as I'm mostly speaking to people who know me. Anyway. Have fun.
"I am the land and the land is me; freedom is everything and we are free!"
Just like that, without even a full song. I'm moved. Shifted. Altered.
Tony Kakko, again, somehow holding the magic key to my musical heart, opens a door for me yet again.
"Flag in the Ground" the new single from Sonata's soon to be released "Days of Grays" album, is exceptional. I've already fallen in complete and utter love with the song, and in a way, I can sense the album, too. But I don't REALLY know what's coming. I've only read a few reviews, some translated, but I have a general feel of the album. One review in particular suggested "if you liked Reckoning Night's White Pearl, Black Oceans, you'll dig this one" over a particular song, so I'm really anxious to hear it.
Because everyone knows White Pearl is the theme song to my life. Didn't know that? Come on, it's my myspace URL haha.
Things have been rough. Harsh diet. Family fueds. Friend losses. A heated confrontation, with me, someone else, and a knife between us...
Yet, just through the chorus of "Flag in the Ground" everything feels... Not as dark. And it's all because of one incredible band, lead by one genius of a creator.
-
When I met Tony in Charlotte last September, I found myself struck by his presence. I was scared. I didn't want him to think I was some nut (though that's probably a little true) or say anything that causes him to misunderstand how I feel about his music. In truth, I can't really explain it. I understand it, at least, I think so, but I can't... Express it.
I've thought a lot about what to say to him next time, provided, of course, I get the chance. I almost cried last time when I tried to explain just how much "White Pearl, Black Oceans" changed my life. The song has been through my entire life since I first heard it. Depression, fury, obsession, love, heartbreak, pleasure... Anything. For instance, today I ran on a treadmill for 12 minutes and sang the whole song while doing it. When I head to bed, I'll probably speak a few lyrics out of habit. I will probably wake up with "Good mourn, o' dreadful day..." Just examples. Not routine.
The song remains with me. It always has, and it always will. I will sit there at the computer, with White Pearl on my Winamp, and listen to "Ten thousand steps down, round and round" over, and over again. This is just an example. I've done this with most of the song on separate occasions.
It's not like I don't listen to the other SA songs; far from it! I probably listen to nearly every album in fulsome each month. But White Pearl really is my song. And yet, it's so not. The song has it's own story, and yet, how do I identify THIS closely with something so far from me? I was not born at sea, living in a lighthouse, or anything. Yet this is my song. My anthem. My soundtrack. Interesting how that works, isn't it? I suppose we all have out favorite stories... But that melody is... It just agrees with me, you know?
You could say I am a collector of media. I swim through albums, movies, tv series etc in search of things that I can classify as art. I'll never forget the first time I heard White Pearl. I gathered all like, five songs from SA I had downloaded, burnt a CD, drove, and listened to WP,BO while driving around. I cried a lot that day. This was beautiful music, I thought. Only now do I see just how much I would like it. So of course I purchased all of their albums immediately after. And though I can say I enjoy each and every song at least a little, no song, from any artist, anywhere, has ever impacted me like White Pearl.
Not to mention what other songs have done to me, due to Tony Kakko and company. "Paid in Full" really helped me get over a... A terrible relationship, finally. "Caleb" helped me invision a fight sequence in one of my stories. Lyrics from "To Create a Warlike Feel" are spoken by the main "villain" of my series upon his entrance. When I saw black swans in England, all I could think of was "Fly with the Black Swan." And, of course, "The Power of One" simply grabbed my heart and moved it to exactly where Tony intended the listener to go. (I think, :D)
-
When I met Tomas Kalnoky (lead of Streetlight Manifesto) three times, I was never really scared, even though they're my 2nd favorite to Sonata. I even had the balls to tell Tomas last time, he should consider covering White Pearl, Black Oceans for the "99 songs of the revolution" project. I know he probably forgot that night, but it's still my fantasy. Can you imagine? White Pearl sang by the punk-ska group, with trombones and saxaphones and whatnot? I'd end up right in heaven before I could hear "Nightmare awakes me, blinking light..."
Now, with Tony, I was scared. In general, from my experience, some Sonata fans and I don't agree with each other. I lurk on the SA forums sometimes, and I tend to get quite annoyed by what some people believe. For instance, when people hated upon Unia for being quote "linear" or "too slow" or whatever, and then having the audasity to say something like "I dropped this band" because they DON'T do what other melodic metal bands do?
What's the difference between casual metal band and Sonata Arctica? Tony Kakko is an artist. I've said it before, I'll say it again. His lyrics are meaningful, his voice is extraordinary. When people say rubbish like "yah they had a couple of good songs, like Wolf and Raven, but their new stuff is meh I dunno" that is silly. It surprises me how these people can continue to pursue Sonata with wishes of only fast songs. I mean, it's fine to have preferences, but to insult the ballad tracks and whatnot is just uncalled for.
Now, how does this fit in with me and Tony? I don't know what to say to him. I don't know how to express that White Pearl, Black Oceans, though over time, saved my life. You could say it did so on multiple occasions. Some of you know about my darker side. Without this song, or SA in general, I'm not sure I would have been able to repress it. This song really did that much to/for me.
How can I explain this without sounding like just someone who thinks the song is beautiful (there are a lot, I'm sure) or some lunatic, which I suppose could be. I just wish there was some way I could actually thank Tony or move his heart, help him like he helped me. So on that note, I began to write this. And while I realize it's close to impossible for me to ever really express my gratitude and feelings, I still want to be able to do something. I've been told time and again my talents lie in text; so here I am.
As my friends know, or should, I am a writer. My only goal in life is to produce a series (LoSK) and make it as great as possible, in hopes that someday, my story can lift people up and change the way they think... Just like Sonata Arctica did for me. My goal was before I heard them, and it remains so, but strengthened to an incredible degree. When I consider the challenge of making something that can rival the impact White Pearl has had on my life, I seriously feel like my body will cave in.
The thought of creating media that people will enjoy has always thrilled me. As I watch a TV show, or a movie, or hear a song, I sometimes wonder... What's it like to be the guy who gave us our favorite stuff? So, I have invented LoSK, and tried very hard to make it a great story. One day, I hope, I will be able to speak with those I can call fans, and... Hah, I'm not sure I can do it without crying!
-
As you could probably guess, my excitement for the new album is at it's peak. I'm afraid of it, because it could radically change me like White Pearl did. It will impact my life for the better, such as when Unia was released. Yet... It's frightening. The power of Tony Kakko's music, it's actually terrifying for me to think about it! I know I'll be memorizing new lyrics and melodies, and my life may change just because of these songs.
Tony, I'm still holding a candle of hope that one day we can sing White Pearl, Black Oceans, together. No stage. No fans. Just me and you. Not sure I could ever have that good of an experience if I won the lottery, har har.
Instead I'll hold my hope candle for a more logical one; a piano+Tony only version of White Pearl. That, I think, would actually force me to never think of suicide again. Wow... Did I just say that?
So here's to Tony Kakko!
As I raise a cup of tea to make a pseudo toast, I think about my future. How can I possibly achieve the goals I set? Yet, with the tune of "Flag in the Ground" reappearing in my head, I am suddenly filled with something I am generally incapable of feeling...
Confidence.
disclaimer : never posted a blog on the boards before. I liked how this one turned out, so I figured I'd share. Kind of a strange topic maybe but I hope someone understands. This was intended to be posted on LJ/myspace so some things might get lost in translation as I'm mostly speaking to people who know me. Anyway. Have fun.
"I am the land and the land is me; freedom is everything and we are free!"
Just like that, without even a full song. I'm moved. Shifted. Altered.
Tony Kakko, again, somehow holding the magic key to my musical heart, opens a door for me yet again.
"Flag in the Ground" the new single from Sonata's soon to be released "Days of Grays" album, is exceptional. I've already fallen in complete and utter love with the song, and in a way, I can sense the album, too. But I don't REALLY know what's coming. I've only read a few reviews, some translated, but I have a general feel of the album. One review in particular suggested "if you liked Reckoning Night's White Pearl, Black Oceans, you'll dig this one" over a particular song, so I'm really anxious to hear it.
Because everyone knows White Pearl is the theme song to my life. Didn't know that? Come on, it's my myspace URL haha.
Things have been rough. Harsh diet. Family fueds. Friend losses. A heated confrontation, with me, someone else, and a knife between us...
Yet, just through the chorus of "Flag in the Ground" everything feels... Not as dark. And it's all because of one incredible band, lead by one genius of a creator.
-
When I met Tony in Charlotte last September, I found myself struck by his presence. I was scared. I didn't want him to think I was some nut (though that's probably a little true) or say anything that causes him to misunderstand how I feel about his music. In truth, I can't really explain it. I understand it, at least, I think so, but I can't... Express it.
I've thought a lot about what to say to him next time, provided, of course, I get the chance. I almost cried last time when I tried to explain just how much "White Pearl, Black Oceans" changed my life. The song has been through my entire life since I first heard it. Depression, fury, obsession, love, heartbreak, pleasure... Anything. For instance, today I ran on a treadmill for 12 minutes and sang the whole song while doing it. When I head to bed, I'll probably speak a few lyrics out of habit. I will probably wake up with "Good mourn, o' dreadful day..." Just examples. Not routine.
The song remains with me. It always has, and it always will. I will sit there at the computer, with White Pearl on my Winamp, and listen to "Ten thousand steps down, round and round" over, and over again. This is just an example. I've done this with most of the song on separate occasions.
It's not like I don't listen to the other SA songs; far from it! I probably listen to nearly every album in fulsome each month. But White Pearl really is my song. And yet, it's so not. The song has it's own story, and yet, how do I identify THIS closely with something so far from me? I was not born at sea, living in a lighthouse, or anything. Yet this is my song. My anthem. My soundtrack. Interesting how that works, isn't it? I suppose we all have out favorite stories... But that melody is... It just agrees with me, you know?
You could say I am a collector of media. I swim through albums, movies, tv series etc in search of things that I can classify as art. I'll never forget the first time I heard White Pearl. I gathered all like, five songs from SA I had downloaded, burnt a CD, drove, and listened to WP,BO while driving around. I cried a lot that day. This was beautiful music, I thought. Only now do I see just how much I would like it. So of course I purchased all of their albums immediately after. And though I can say I enjoy each and every song at least a little, no song, from any artist, anywhere, has ever impacted me like White Pearl.
Not to mention what other songs have done to me, due to Tony Kakko and company. "Paid in Full" really helped me get over a... A terrible relationship, finally. "Caleb" helped me invision a fight sequence in one of my stories. Lyrics from "To Create a Warlike Feel" are spoken by the main "villain" of my series upon his entrance. When I saw black swans in England, all I could think of was "Fly with the Black Swan." And, of course, "The Power of One" simply grabbed my heart and moved it to exactly where Tony intended the listener to go. (I think, :D)
-
When I met Tomas Kalnoky (lead of Streetlight Manifesto) three times, I was never really scared, even though they're my 2nd favorite to Sonata. I even had the balls to tell Tomas last time, he should consider covering White Pearl, Black Oceans for the "99 songs of the revolution" project. I know he probably forgot that night, but it's still my fantasy. Can you imagine? White Pearl sang by the punk-ska group, with trombones and saxaphones and whatnot? I'd end up right in heaven before I could hear "Nightmare awakes me, blinking light..."
Now, with Tony, I was scared. In general, from my experience, some Sonata fans and I don't agree with each other. I lurk on the SA forums sometimes, and I tend to get quite annoyed by what some people believe. For instance, when people hated upon Unia for being quote "linear" or "too slow" or whatever, and then having the audasity to say something like "I dropped this band" because they DON'T do what other melodic metal bands do?
What's the difference between casual metal band and Sonata Arctica? Tony Kakko is an artist. I've said it before, I'll say it again. His lyrics are meaningful, his voice is extraordinary. When people say rubbish like "yah they had a couple of good songs, like Wolf and Raven, but their new stuff is meh I dunno" that is silly. It surprises me how these people can continue to pursue Sonata with wishes of only fast songs. I mean, it's fine to have preferences, but to insult the ballad tracks and whatnot is just uncalled for.
Now, how does this fit in with me and Tony? I don't know what to say to him. I don't know how to express that White Pearl, Black Oceans, though over time, saved my life. You could say it did so on multiple occasions. Some of you know about my darker side. Without this song, or SA in general, I'm not sure I would have been able to repress it. This song really did that much to/for me.
How can I explain this without sounding like just someone who thinks the song is beautiful (there are a lot, I'm sure) or some lunatic, which I suppose could be. I just wish there was some way I could actually thank Tony or move his heart, help him like he helped me. So on that note, I began to write this. And while I realize it's close to impossible for me to ever really express my gratitude and feelings, I still want to be able to do something. I've been told time and again my talents lie in text; so here I am.
As my friends know, or should, I am a writer. My only goal in life is to produce a series (LoSK) and make it as great as possible, in hopes that someday, my story can lift people up and change the way they think... Just like Sonata Arctica did for me. My goal was before I heard them, and it remains so, but strengthened to an incredible degree. When I consider the challenge of making something that can rival the impact White Pearl has had on my life, I seriously feel like my body will cave in.
The thought of creating media that people will enjoy has always thrilled me. As I watch a TV show, or a movie, or hear a song, I sometimes wonder... What's it like to be the guy who gave us our favorite stuff? So, I have invented LoSK, and tried very hard to make it a great story. One day, I hope, I will be able to speak with those I can call fans, and... Hah, I'm not sure I can do it without crying!
-
As you could probably guess, my excitement for the new album is at it's peak. I'm afraid of it, because it could radically change me like White Pearl did. It will impact my life for the better, such as when Unia was released. Yet... It's frightening. The power of Tony Kakko's music, it's actually terrifying for me to think about it! I know I'll be memorizing new lyrics and melodies, and my life may change just because of these songs.
Tony, I'm still holding a candle of hope that one day we can sing White Pearl, Black Oceans, together. No stage. No fans. Just me and you. Not sure I could ever have that good of an experience if I won the lottery, har har.
Instead I'll hold my hope candle for a more logical one; a piano+Tony only version of White Pearl. That, I think, would actually force me to never think of suicide again. Wow... Did I just say that?
So here's to Tony Kakko!
As I raise a cup of tea to make a pseudo toast, I think about my future. How can I possibly achieve the goals I set? Yet, with the tune of "Flag in the Ground" reappearing in my head, I am suddenly filled with something I am generally incapable of feeling...
Confidence.