Title: STRATOVARIUS - Polaris
Description: STRATOVARIUS Polaris CD review
Description: STRATOVARIUS Polaris CD review
metal4life - May 8, 2009 07:11 AM (GMT)
STRATOVARIUS
Polaris
EarMusic 2009
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.
© Stuart A Hamilton
Rating ***1/2 (3.5/5.0)
Buy @ Amazon
Polaris
EarMusic 2009
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.
© Stuart A Hamilton
Rating ***1/2 (3.5/5.0)
Buy @ Amazon