Stratovarius’ Polaris Is Actually Pretty Good

Stratovarius have just released a new album called Polaris. I’m going to keep this short and simple as usual. I’m not the biggest fan of power metal. Sometimes it comes over as a bit cheesy, but if there is one thing that power metal has it positive lyrics and usually great musicianship. Polaris is no different.

When I saw the video for Deep Unknown, the opening track from the album I really wanted to go grab a bottle of wine and some crackers. The album is actually pretty good. I wasn’t sure what to expect after hearing Deep Unknown, but it’s good old fashioned power metal from across the pond.

If you don’t like power metal with keyboards and runny vocals then you won’t like this at all. Frontman Timo Kotipelto accent is a little obvious, but hell, he’s not exactly singing in his native tongue. His range is really good and he can’t really sing. The keyboards sound a little generic but still ad to the whole effect of it. You’ll hear more keyboard solos than guitar solos. The guitar rhythms are catchy and I have no complaints.

The last song on the album, When Mountains Fall is extremely sappy with violins and classical nylon string guitar. It’s a nice song if you feel like shooting yourself. No, actually it’s a beautiful song, just a little over the top for me.

Bottom line is, if you dig power metal then chances are you will dig Stratovarius’ Polaris. I don’t care what any metal elitist bastard says, it’s good. I still like Firewind about 5 times more but this is good stuff.

Image: Amazon.com