Zonata - Buried Alive (2002)Century Media

Aforementioned album was given its release one year after "Reality". Its title can be misleading as it is not a concert stuff. It is the 3rd studio album recorded, like on the debut, by 5-piece line-up: Johannes Nyberg (vocals, keyboards), John Nyberg (guitars), Mikael Hörnqvist (drums), Niclas Karlsson (guitars; Freternia, Crystal Eyes, Fierce Conviction) and Mattias Asplund (bass).

After listening to the opening track, we can think there are much more riffs typical of heavy than contemporary power metal, but the rest tracks convince us that "Buried Alive" is the most progressive affair in Zonata's discography. As a matter of fact, this album is not as overly neoclassical as the band's previous two works. Guitar solos are also not as spectacular as on the first outings, but it doesn't mean here are no rousing, intricate, energised and over-the-top technicalities. Even though fast tempos are peculiar to Zonata's style, there are as well some nostalgic, slow and quiet guitar solos. It is worth accentuating there are novelties like cinematic and bit theatrical fragments at some moments. As on other Zonata's albums, all the keyboard interludes and solos are simply beautiful.

It is of significant prominence that all compositions on "Buried Alive" have the power I love so much. I am sure that even most difficult technically parts would be viable for Swedes, but I am totally sure that feasibility of their own compositions is a pipe dream for many musicians. As a neoclassical progpower metal band, Zonata gained the apex of the genre and reached the zenith of technical possibilities. They are original enough, however I am obliged to write that the band have some affinity with the likes of Symphony X, Artension, Ring of Fire, Morifade, Reptilian, KenZiner and Virtuocity. Believe me, Zonata is the group of paramount importance in contemporary power metal.