Elements Vol.1

Opening with single "Eagleheart", you'll find that this is a catchy, fast, rocky song, but not unlike any other Stratovarius single - IE "Hunting High And Low" off of "Infinite". But, once again, that doesn't mean it's boring in the slightest. All it is is a sign that Stratovarius can write catchy "radio material" rock songs that can attract all sorts of fan base. Some great singing from Timo Kotipelto, drumming from Jorg Michael and excellent riffs from Timo Tolkki all add up to show Stratovarius on their A game. A great song.

Next "Soul Of A Vagabond" has more of a thrash metal element to it, resembling something from a 80's Metallica album. In fact the string instruments in the background, you wouldn't help but think that if it were James Hetfield's vocals that this could have been off "S & M". This song is definitely for all those of you with long hair who love to throw up the double horns and head bang.

"Find Your Own Voice" comes as a dissapointment in comparison to the previous two tracks. "Pt 1" much like "Pt 2" features the weakest track as the third song. Starting off well with the backing singers raising their vocals which then melt into some frantic metal, but Timo Kotipelto's singing really lets the song down. I have no problem when he goes "high pitch" but him doing all throughout the song almost really ruins the song as he sounds unintelligible and the lyrics fail to come through, bar maybe the chorus. Which is a shame as the lyrics are about independance and are uplifting.

Now "Fantasia" can catch you off guard. I remember as a young lad I used to enjoy the movie "The Never-Ending Story" and by this song, you can tell that the Strato band members are also fans. "Fantasia" was the place featured in aformentioned movie, and the song is about how in Fantasia there is no hate, no heaven, no hell, only love and peace. It's a song what makes you ponder exactly what a perfect world is supposed to be. Starting out gently, with something building in the background, it suddenly crashes down, keyboards, strings, guitar all playing to perfection. Kotipelto is on fire here with the singing and the backing singers complement him really well. This song has it's heavy metal moments, but can also slow it down almost effortlessly into a more sombre tone, before raising it all back up triumphantly. Excellent song, needs to be heard by all.

After "Fantasia" it's easy to see why nothing else can follow on, but "Learning To Fly" trys its best. Of course it's a entirely different song, more of a power metal element to the song. Great lyrics, drumming, singing, but slightly does falter when Kotipelto choses to go high-pitched in the song. Thankfully he restrains himself so it doesn't befall the same fault as "Find Your Own Voice". If you can take Kotipelto's occasional burst into attemtping to be heard only by dogs, then you'll like this song.

"Pappilon" opens with what will most probably by a young boy singing a hymn. While it may not be a hymn per se, it does sound like something that something that would be sung in a church. I just find it amazing how it can open with that and just gel so well with Kotipelto replacing the young singer. Starting off with him singing over a gentle guitar, soon the entire band backs him up. The chorus rises and falls almost majestically with the backing orchestra and just sounds amazing. Also there's a nice brief use of a spanish guitar, and the song also ends on the boy "church" singer much like it began.

Next up "Stratofortress" gives Kotipelto a well needed break, probably to reattach something.... It's a instrumental but doesn't get boring what so ever. The keyboardist Jens Johansson is really given a chance to shine here - something which he will do later on "Pt 2" - but the whole band is given a opportunity to strut their stuff, showing that they are indeed one of the finest power metal bands in the world, and probably the best band to come out of Finland.

"Elements" just needs to be heard. I am not kidding, this really is the albums crowning acheivement. This song is of course about the four major elements earth, wind, fire and water, but it is on such a grand scale what with the choir of backing singers, the entire orchestra showing to the full potential what happens when classical meets metal, yet another fine example of the band all being on top form, Kotipelto's great singing along with some very nice lyrics - you wouldn't think that English wasn't this bands first language. This song definitely has the riffs to mosh to, you will be definitely wanting to move your body to the music in any shape or form. The chorus just sounds spectacular might I add. Definitely the highlight of the album. I also love the line "Eye For A Eye And The Whole World Will Be Blind".

Album closer, "A Drop In The Ocean" opens with waves crashing against the shores before a gentle acoustic guitar starts up, Kotipelto's hums before beginning a talk/sing intro to the song. This definitely is one of Strato's power ballads, a great ending to what, minus a few faults, is a awesome album.

4.5 stars.