Polaris

Welcome to a new era of STRATOVARIUS. For years the band has relied heavily on the craftsmanship of guitarist Timo Tolkki, who wrote 95% of the material on the ten albums to date. Following Tolkki's departure from the band last year, critics would have you believe that the future of the band was in grave danger. However, with Tolkki waiving the rights to the name, the rest of the band have carried on regardless, and 'Polaris' is the first release for the new line-up.

Frontman Timo Kotipelto has released a few respectable solo efforts, and does have a writing credit on some of the very best STRATOVARIUS songs including 'Black Diamond' and 'Hunting High and Low' - so, bearing this in mind, there was always hope that 'Polaris' could re-vitalise the career of the Finish five-piece, now that they have broken away from the mental illness stricken Tolkki.

Musically, the album sounds very much like classic late 90's STRATOVARIUS, with the soaring vocals of Kotipelto and the thundering drums of Jorg Michael, alongside the neo-classical team work of keyboard supremo Jens Johansson and new guitarist Matias Kupiainen. Timo Tolkki was legendary for his neo-classical solos, but on 'Polaris', Kupiainen matches him every step of the way, proving a more than worthy replacement in the musical department.

The only band member not mentioned above is new bass player, Lauri Porra, who is in fact a key part of the 'Polaris' jigsaw puzzle. In the ferocious 'Forever Is Today' and the infectiously catchy 'Falling Star', Porra has single handedly written two absolutely outstanding tracks, as well as three other decent solo penned efforts on the album. Many would argue that STRATOVARIUS are the kings of the fast paced classic power metal, and awesome tracks like 'Blind' and 'Higher We Go' will certainly add to the justification of such an arguement. Lead single 'Deep Unknown' is a slighly more progressive affair, but surprisingly serves well as the album's opening song.

As well as some terrific metal tunes, STRATOVARIUS have always been capable of producing a good slower track, and such a track is delivered on 'Polaris' via the excellent 'Winter Skies'. 'Somehow Precious' also impresses as the albums only variation into ballad territory.

So can STRATOVARIUS go on without Timo Tolkki?...damn right they can! In fact, it seems that the departure of Timo Tolkki has actually given STRATOVARIUS a completely new lease of life. 'Polaris' is arguably the best STRATOVARIUS album of all time, and at the very least is the best album since 1997's classic 'Visions' record. This record is an absolute must for fans of the band - a classic!

Stratovarius are definitely back on form with Polaris, after their slightly disappointing last album. This should appeal to all rock fans as well as "metal-heads", very melodic throughout. There's a few tracks with the old trademark speed drumming and pace but plenty which take things down a bit and provide some more ambient moments.

The softer proggy tracks made me think this is what Genesis could have sounded like if they had stayed together and continued making music into the new millenium. In fact, the new guitarist sounded eerily like Steve Hackett on some tracks, with dreamy chords and strumming. It's also reminiscent of Yes in some places.

No hesitation in giving this one Five Stars!

I suppose we ought to be grateful that there is such a thing as a new Stratovarius album to review. After all, with all the legal shenanigans and the departure of their de facto leader Timo Tolkki, after over twenty years in charge, the chances of this appearing seemed slim.

But the remaining members regrouped, brought in a new guitarist, and with their main songwriter gone, keyboardist Jens Johansson and vocalist Timo Kotipelto stood up to be counted as writers. And it's good stuff. It's certainly a lot better than their last self-titled album, from back in 2005. And it's a lot better than many of the naysayers thought it would be.

But the power metal world is awash with quality bands, and with Stratovarius being one of the greats, is good enough. Well not to start with. The first couple of tracks are disappointing, and it isn't until 'King Of Nothing' arrives, that I start to nod in approval. Approval that becomes wholesale once 'Winter Skies' arrives. The first great song from the new band, the ballad is an absolute peach. Best of all is the 'Emancipation Suite', a segment that is truly wonderful.

So it's a very solid start to their new career, one that seemed unlikely for a long time. Don't come here expecting the breathtaking sounds of the late nineties when the band was at its peak. It's no "Visions". However, let's not forget that musically they'd been going downhill for a while. This stops that trend, and starts pushing things back up the hill.

So. overall, it's a big welcome back, and here's hoping the new band can muster up some excitement for their return to the worlds stages.

It's really a 3.5 but Amazon don't do halves