2.STRATOVARIUSEPISODEMelodic Power Metalreleased April 22nd, 1996
via T&T Records
1. Father Time [5:02]
2. Will The Sun Rise? [5:06]
3. Eternity [6:56]
4. Episode
(instrumental) [2:01]
5. Speed of Light [3:03]
6. Uncertainty [5:59]
7. Season of Change [6:57]
8. Stratosphere
(instrumental) [4:52]
9. Babylon [7:09]
10. Tomorrow [4:52]
11. Night Time Eclipse [7:58]
12. Forever [3:06]
13. When the Night Meets the Day* [5:30]
*Japanese bonus trackEPISODE is
Timo Tolkki (Guitars / Backing vocals)
Timo Kotipelto (Lead vocals)
Jari Kainulainen (Bass)
Jens Johansson (Keyboards)
Jörg Michael (Drums)
WITHKimmo Blom (Backing vocals)
Marko Vaara (Backing vocals)
Richard Johnsson (Backing vocals)
Pasi Puolakka (Flute on 12)
Ya’ll know what it is.
I identify a lot with Timo Tolkki’s lyricism, particularly in the late 90s Stratovarius material, and the opening song “Father Time” not only resonates with me on a very deep level, but I think everything about it, from the instrumentation to its philosophical lyrical theme, encapsulates the very essence of power metal. It’s about reflection of life and love and individuality and this fierce inner strength in every individual, fueled by sheer determination and willpower to accomplish what you set your mind to. Staying optimistic in the face of adversity. The lyrics do talk about this directly, but the music itself paints this musical landscape with loud, thunderous double bass drumming and mighty snares; lightning-fast guitar shredding, keyboard leads that complement the guitar theatrics perfectly, and a singer whose full-bodied, rich high notes split the sky like a siren to punctuate each verse and chorus. I am 150% all about that super positive optimistic outlook on life set to a backdrop of super loud and super fast music. Happiness can be very metal, it’s all about how you channel that energy.
And half the time the album isn’t even that fast. It’s varied as hell. Fast tracks: Father Time, Will The Sun Rise?, Speed of Light, Stratosphere (the first half), Tomorrow. That’s it. Eternity is a mid-tempo rocker. Episode is an instrumental prelude to Speed of Light. Uncertainty is a mid-tempo rocker, Season of Change is a brooding, mysterious rumination on appreciating life. Babylon stomps at a very slow pace for a metal song, but contains one of the album’s best moments when Kotipelto’s voice rises impossibly high, and Jens Johansson’s lead solo comes in on the same note Kotipelto reaches, which gives me chills every single time. Night Time Eclipse and When the Night Meets the Day are more mid-tempo rockers with catchy riffs and vocals, and Forever is a heartbreaking ballad about Tolkki’s late father.
And that’s part of why I find it a landmark power metal album. It DOESN’T lean entirely on high vocals and super fast playing. Less than half the album is that, actually. What makes this power metal is in its lyrical themes and its attention to how the guitars and drums and vocals are used to create a metal-sounding song even when the tempo isn’t 160+ BPM.
In Summary: I could go on and on but I'll stop here. I don't expect anyone to share my love for this record, but this album was the start of what is largely considered Stratovarius's golden period, and for the next few years they'd continue to put out classic album after classic album without fail. This is the greatest metal record of all time in my opinion and it’s not even close. This is an album that was literally lifechanging for me. Timo and Jens were the perfect guitar-keyboard duo. Jens keeps up with Timo at all times, never letting up, and even matches him note for note in the instrumental “Stratosphere.” The particular blend and layering of keyboard and guitar leads is something I crave in all power metal. Tolkki wrote 99% of this album himself and so I credit him for my fascination with writing power metal. He was the perfect power metal songwriter and guitarist and in every single way he and the music he wrote have had a big impact on me personally. Best. Metal. Album. EVER.
Katt’s Favorites: Father Time,
Will The Sun Rise?,
Eternity,
Speed of Light,
Season of Change,
ForeverListen to “Episode” by Stratovarius on Spotify