Stratovarius

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

Post from: Metal Martyr

Stratovarius

Vocalist Timo Kotipelto, Keybaordist Jens Johansson and Drummer Jörg Michael are the closest you’re going to get to original member as they have been carrying the Stratovarius name since 1995. Rounding out the line up is bass player Lauri Porra, who has been with the band since 2005 and guitar player Matias Kupiainen, whom joined the band last year.

Here is the first single and video, Deep Unknown from their new Album, Polaris. Polaris was released today, May 13th.

Vocalist Timo Kotipelto explains, “Polaris is a positive, powerful album that Stratovarius fans all over the world are certain to take to their hearts.” A unique blend of rock anthems and heavy fist pumpers, Polaris is a take on metal that is fresh and compelling, sophisticated yet brimming with strength and fire. Polaris was recorded in the fall 2008 at Hästholmen and 5by5 studios, in Helsinki, Finland. It was mixed by the legendary Mikko Karmila, who has a long history with the band. They hid themselves in a secluded cottage in the forests of Finland to focus on making the perfect record, and emerged with not only Polaris, but also a positive new outlook on the direction of their career.

Track Listing:
1.) Deep Unknown
2.) Falling Star
3.) King of Nothing
4.) Blind
5.) Winter Skies
6.) Forever Is Today
7.) Higher We Go
8.) Somehow Precious
9.) Emancipation Part I
10.) Emancipation Part II
11.) Mountains Fall

North American Tour Dates:
9/16/09 – New York, NY – Nokia Theater
9/18/09 – Toronto, ONT – Opera House
9/19/09 – Quebec, QUE – Imperial de Quebec
9/20/09 – Montreal, QUE – Medley
9/21/09 – Boston, MA – Middle East
9/23/09 – Baltimore, MD – Sonar
9/24/09 – Cleveland, OH – Peabody’s
9/25/09 – Mokena, IL – Pearl Room
9/27/09 – Winnipeg, MB – Garrick Centre
9/28/09 – Regina, SK – The Riddell at University
9/29/09 – Calgary, AB – Warehouse
9/30/09 – Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room
10/2/09 – Vancouver, BC – Plaza Club
10/3/09 – Vancouver, BC – Sugar
10/4/09 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
10/6/09 – San Francisco, CA – The Grand Ballroom at the Regency
10/7/09 – Los Angeles, CA – Key Club

(Images: Universal Music)

Post from: Metal Martyr