Elements Vol.2

But Elements Pt 2 is a fine album for Timo to bow out on, choosing now to work on his solo career. You'll find that Stratovarius is "dictated" by guitarist/songwriter Timo Tolkki, who is the founding member of the band and hence forth makes all the decisions. That didn't sit will with Kotipelto obviously who wanted more involvement in the song writing side of Stratovarius, which led to a fist-fight and the singers dismissal from the band. But enough about that controversy that's surrounding Stratovarius right now. The thing to concentrate on is the music.

Opener "Alpha & Omega" continues where Elements Pt 1 left off. A more metal song, fuelled by crushing riffs, excellent drumming, Timo's soaring high-pitched vocals and some surprisingly great lyrics for a band from Finland. Telling the story of a omnipotent being it feels almost operatic, and you will soon find yourself head banging and singing along.

Next to "I Walk To My Own Song", it features a lot more involvement from keyboardist Jens Johansson - something which is featured a lot more in this album than Pt 1 - and is a catchy, fun song. The lyrics feel empowering, and Timo really excells here. Of course I cant take anything away from the rest of the band, they're all on top form.

"I'm Still Alive" is a dissapoint in comparison to the first two songs. Starting off strongly, it seems to lose focus by the time the chorus rolls around, Timo failing to project his voice over the guitars and drums, only when it all slows down to raise back up as he reiterates that he's still alive does this song truly shine.

Next up "Season Of Faiths Perfection" is a definite step up. A more mellow, sombre song starting with Timo singing over a acoustic guitar, the keyboards then play a brief interlude, before the whole band joins in, along with a great chorus. Simplistic but great lyrics find that you can soon sway your head to this song before the song roars up majestically. Awesome song.

Going back to their more metal roots, "Awaken The Giant" is the stuff that first makes people want to learn to play the guitar. Great riffs make it so that you can find yourself head banging to the opening in no time. With the pre-chorus and chorus this song really comes into it's own, you stamping your foot down to match the music.

"Know The Difference" begins with a frantic, fast-paced piano opening that you'd expect to hear from a modern day phantom of the opera. Soon enough the song thrashes along, but you'll find that Timo's vocals become kind of drowned out and the chorus doesn't quite have a impact because of this. Nevertheless, still a great track for the mindless head banging.

Yet another slow moment, "Luminous" has a great opening, feeling magical, like you have stepped into some sort of trance, with nothing but the voice of Timo and the sweetly dripped backing of the keyboards. When the drumming slowly kicks in you know that the song is building to something, and when the guitar and bass hit, you are very much rewarded.

Onto "Dreamweaver", Stratovarius go back to the song-structure they used on Infinite. IE having the title of the track sung out in the background while Timo continues on with the chorus. Timo is used to his full potential on this song, one very instantly catchy track.

Closer "Liberty" has exactly that feeling... Liberation. With the guitar opening, this song sets high expectations and doesn't dissapoint. Using string instruments, keyboards, some great use of the guitars, bass and drums and as always, Timo's great singing this is a definite treat at the end of the album. Whether Tolkki is a "dictator" or not, he can write some great music and lyrics.

All in all a superb album. And if the music wasn't good enough, the cover art is very, very good. Something very eye-catching and just screams out "buy me" - well it did to me....

Who knows what the future holds for Stratovarius. Will the new singer be able to top Timo? I've heard rumours that it could be a female singer.... All I've got to say is that if Tolkki continues to write lyrics and music like this, the new singer is three quarters of what Timo is, then Stratovarius have a very bright future indeed.

Five stars - Better than Elements Pt 1.

Unfortunately, this album disappoints. Its hard to describe. All the songs are solid, and are what you expect of Stratovarius...but thats it. Theres nothing new, and nothing to stand out. This album might as well be titled "Misc Metal album #644". Elements 1 had a few really good tracks that stood out and demanded repeat listening, but this one really doesn't hvae much to offer. At no point does any of the tracks come close to songs such as Black Diamond, Eternity or Falling Into Fantasy from previous albums.

In terms of the band members, nothing has suffered. TK is still a fantastic vocalist, and Jens is one of the best keyboard players I have ever heard. TT is still a respectable guitarist too, but on this album, none of them appear to be challenged. The guitar riffs are the same ones we've heard a thousand times, TK and Jens continue to shine as the most talented members of the band, but not enough to make this a stand out album.

By all means, buy this album if you are a total Strat nut - you'll probably love it and come back to your computer and yell at this review. But for me...the only destiny for my copy is to sit in my CD rack collecting dust while I wait for the next Koltipelto solo album.

On a more topical note - Unofortunately, Koltipelto has also now left...this is the last Strat album featuring this excellent vocalist. Enjoy his voice while you can...and get his solo stuff!