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Track Listings
| 1. Maniac Dance |
| 2. Fight!!! |
| 3. Just Carry On |
| 4. Back To Madness |
| 5. Gypsy In Me |
| 6. Gotterdammerung (Zenith Of Power) |
| 7. The Land Of Ice And Snow |
| 8. Leave The Tribe |
| 9. United |
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Stratovarius are one of the better-known power metal bands from Finland, and have recorded some significant releases over the years since their 1989 debut. In late 2003 the band broke up after months of inner-turmoil and Timo Kotipelto (vocals)and Jörg Michael (drums)departed the ranks. During this time, Timo Tolkki (guitarist and band leader) was being diagnoised with bi-polar disorder and began receiving treatment for the condition. In addition, Tolkki changed direction and hired a female singer, Katriina Wiiala and Anders Johansson temporarily on drums, however this this line-up never came to fruition and the remainder 2004 saw virtually complete silence from the band.
In January 2005, Stratovarius reformed and released their twelth album aptly titled `Stratovarius' with the same recording line-up as the Elements pt 1 &2. With his latest offering, the bands lyrics have taken on a more depressive nature and I cannot help feel that Tolkki has written from the heart this time round, mainly during his time of darkness as well as on the road to recovery. The album displays a notable change in direction for Stratovarius with the symphonic sound of the Elements albums almost completely gone. However, with this album it has taken on a slightly heavier edge to the sound as the music seems to have more drive, passion and power.
The production is immense and is comparable to anything that Kamelot or even Dream Theater has brought out over the past few years. Timo Kotipelto's vocals are superb and the man adds a nice mixture of power and melody into his singing, but has attempted a different vocal approach by avoiding the high notes he is better known for. The guitar work of Tolkki is astounding to say the least and he has utilized some awesome riffs to the recording, however the signature neo-classical soloing style is notably absent on this release. Swedish keyboard player, Jens Johansson, has a more restricted role to play than on any previous releases; in fact, as usual he has done a sterling job by adding just the right amount of keys and does not overshadow any of the other instruments.
The man that steals the show for me has to be German drummer extrodinaire, Jörg Michael. What a powerful sound he has acquired from his drum kit and unquestionably has to be one of the best drummers currently on the European scene. Very impressive indeed he is, but mention has to be made for bassist Jari Pedersen-Kainulainen who has created a deep rumbling sound that adds so much depth to the backline, along with Michael they are a formidable force. Since the release of this album, Pedersen-Kainulainen has parted ways with Stratovarius and has formed his own band. A fine release from one of the pioneering power metal bands of the modern era, and I am sure this will please old and new fans alike.
In January 2005, Stratovarius reformed and released their twelth album aptly titled `Stratovarius' with the same recording line-up as the Elements pt 1 &2. With his latest offering, the bands lyrics have taken on a more depressive nature and I cannot help feel that Tolkki has written from the heart this time round, mainly during his time of darkness as well as on the road to recovery. The album displays a notable change in direction for Stratovarius with the symphonic sound of the Elements albums almost completely gone. However, with this album it has taken on a slightly heavier edge to the sound as the music seems to have more drive, passion and power.
The production is immense and is comparable to anything that Kamelot or even Dream Theater has brought out over the past few years. Timo Kotipelto's vocals are superb and the man adds a nice mixture of power and melody into his singing, but has attempted a different vocal approach by avoiding the high notes he is better known for. The guitar work of Tolkki is astounding to say the least and he has utilized some awesome riffs to the recording, however the signature neo-classical soloing style is notably absent on this release. Swedish keyboard player, Jens Johansson, has a more restricted role to play than on any previous releases; in fact, as usual he has done a sterling job by adding just the right amount of keys and does not overshadow any of the other instruments.
The man that steals the show for me has to be German drummer extrodinaire, Jörg Michael. What a powerful sound he has acquired from his drum kit and unquestionably has to be one of the best drummers currently on the European scene. Very impressive indeed he is, but mention has to be made for bassist Jari Pedersen-Kainulainen who has created a deep rumbling sound that adds so much depth to the backline, along with Michael they are a formidable force. Since the release of this album, Pedersen-Kainulainen has parted ways with Stratovarius and has formed his own band. A fine release from one of the pioneering power metal bands of the modern era, and I am sure this will please old and new fans alike.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I am always saddened by the evidence of disloyalty for this band. Maybe it is just the kind of people the band attracts, or the hard times in the past, but it bothers me when people slate a Stratovarius album for doing something a little different.
I happen to think that this album is a strong album, and a good listen. It has the quality to get me jumping around and singing along, playing air guitar.
Fight!! and United really got me.
My one gripe with this album is the abscence of fast drumming and guitar. It also felt a bit unfinished, and raw.
Nonetheless, it is certainly worth a listen, but not for new listeners, in my humble opinion.
I happen to think that this album is a strong album, and a good listen. It has the quality to get me jumping around and singing along, playing air guitar.
Fight!! and United really got me.
My one gripe with this album is the abscence of fast drumming and guitar. It also felt a bit unfinished, and raw.
Nonetheless, it is certainly worth a listen, but not for new listeners, in my humble opinion.
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Bought this, as it was under £2.50 (including postage) and found it a tad disappointing, though for that price, it is a gamble that often pays off. Power Metal, with a couple of semi decent songs on it, which might make my MP3 player, but doubt I will listen to the whole album for a while. Reminds me of the sort of band that would have supported the likes of UFO and Saxon, in gthe early 80s.
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