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General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: RazielSR on October 21, 2010, 11:04:46 AM
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Stratovarius are putting the finishing touches on their thirteenth full-length studio album "Elysium" in 5-by-5 studios, Pitäjänmäki, Helsinki, Finland. The album will be released on January 12th, 2011 by JVC in Asia and worldwide on January 14th, 2011 by Edel/EarMusic.
(https://www.stratovarius.com/images/Stratovarius_2010_5895_800px.jpg)
A single with two new songs of "Elysium" will be released on 26 November this year, coinciding with the start date of the "7 sinners world tour" on which Stratovarius will join Helloween as very special guests - kicking off the same day in the Szene, Vienna.
The single also contains a demo track, and two unreleased live tracks recorded earlier this year on Stratovarius’ wildly successful 2009/2010 "Polaris" world tour.
(https://www.stratovarius.com/images/Stratovarius_Single_800px.jpg)
The following tracks will be part of the single:
Darkest Hours (from the upcoming album "Elysium")
Infernal Maze (from the upcoming album "Elysium")
Darkest Hours (demo version)
Against the Wind (live recording, Sofia, Bulgaria)
Black Diamond (live recording, Göteborg, Sweden)
ELYSSIUM TRACK LIST:
1. DARKEST HOURS 4:11
ISRC DEH841000542
MUSIC BY MATIAS KUPIAINEN
LYRICS BY TIMO KOTIPELTO, MATIAS KUPIAINEN
2. UNDER FLAMING SKIES 3:52
ISRC DEH841000610
MUSIC BY TIMO KOTIPELTO, MATIAS KUPIAINEN
LYRICS BY TIMO KOTIPELTO
3. INFERNAL MAZE 5:33
ISRC DEH841000543
MUSIC BY MATIAS KUPIAINEN
LYRICS BY TIMO KOTIPELTO
4. FAIRNESS JUSTIFIED 4:21
ISRC DEH841000605
MUSIC BY MATIAS KUPIAINEN
LYRICS BY TIMO KOTIPELTO
5. THE GAME NEVER ENDS 3:54
ISRC DEH841000612
MUSIC BY JENS JOHANSSON
LYRICS BY JENS JOHANSSON
6. LIFETIME IN A MOMENT 6:39
ISRC DEH841000609
MUSIC BY LAURI PORRA
LYRICS BY LAURI PORRA
7. MOVE THE MOUNTAIN 5:34
ISRC DEH841000613
MUSIC BY JENS JOHANSSON
LYRICS BY JENS JOHANSSON
8. EVENT HORIZON 4:24
ISRC DEH841000611
MUSIC BY MATIAS KUPIAINEN
LYRICS BY TIMO KOTIPELTO
9. ELYSIUM 18:07
ISRC DEH841000606
MUSIC BY MATIAS KUPIAINEN
LYRICS BY MATIAS KUPIAINEN, TIMO KOTIPELTO
10. CASTAWAY (JAPAN BONUS TRACK) 4:40
ISRC DEH841000614
MUSIC BY LAURI PORRA
LYRICS BY LAURI PORRA
(https://www.stratovarius.com/images/Stratovarius_Elysium_800px.jpg)
Cover artwork by Gyula Havancsák. Band photo by Kimmo Syväri.
See information about upcoming live dates here (https://www.stratovarius.com/tour), or below.
Source: https://www.stratovarius.com/
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sweet
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Meh. I heard one of the songs off of the last album. THe music was cool, though generic, but the vocals were awful. I guess Tolki was the only member of the band who could write melodies.
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Cool, although I've barely listened to their last two albums.
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Fucking pelicans.
And I had a thing for Stratovarius quite a while back, but meh. meh meh meh. meh,
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And I had a thing for Stratovarius quite a while back, but meh. meh meh meh. meh,
This, and I never even got around to hearing the last album.
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Last album was pretty good, had some excellent songs, nothing mindblowing though. I will be buying this, no brainer. I don't understand the contrast yet references from the single cover to the album cover.
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I thought Polaris was their best album. Seriously. This one is gonna rock as well, the departure of Tolkki is exactly what the band needed. He was a good songwriter, but he also wrote a whole bunch of average songs on pretty much every album. On Polaris, there was only one track I didn't care for.
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I thought Polaris was their best album. Seriously. This one is gonna rock as well, the departure of Tolkki is exactly what the band needed. He was a good songwriter, but he also wrote a whole bunch of average songs on pretty much every album. On Polaris, there was only one track I didn't care for.
The band is going pretty well without Tolkki. Tolkki was the mastermind in the past, but from 2004 to 2007 I think you all know how the band went with him. Stratovarius needed to erase Tolkki and his strange behaviour. Many people don't understand that Polaris was an album with a lot of pressure and Jens, Kotipelto and Jörg and Lauri had really hard times, and they had to find a guitarrist: Matias Kupiainen. These guy is more prog oriented and the band now is taking a semi-prog power path. For example, songs like Deep Unknown, reminds you that this is Stratovarius, but you can feel new elements there. The same with King of Nothing, Falling Star or Emancipation Suite. Then you have songs like "Forever is today","Higher we go" and "Blind", were you can hear the typical Stratovarius power metal past sound.
Now, the writters and composers are Lauri Porra (another more prog oriented guy), Matias and Jens.
Jens was always trying to compose songs, but it was almost impossible with Tolkki. And Jens is an extremely talented composer and keyboard player.
Now they are trying to make another step with the sound of the band. Polaris was a really good album, and more if you understand and lived the days when it was created. For Elyssium, the band has composed and created music with total freedom and together. The band is really, really well now and having fun.
Polaris for me is their 4th best album (as a whole album). My favourite is Episode, then Fourth Dimension and then Visions.
You know, this is somthing like DT and Portnoy, more or less. Polaris was like saying..."hey, we can do it without him". And Elyssium is gonna be the confirmation.
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Sounds promising! I really liked Polaris so this one will probably be great too!
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It's surprising and exciting at the same time, that this lineup are putting out another album. They are really steaming along, I for one was skeptical wether they would get to this point. And Tolkki reading this news of a new album must be kicking himself, especially with all the Revolution Renaissance fiasco in the last month.
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It's surprising and exciting at the same time, that this lineup are putting out another album. They are really steaming along, I for one was skeptical wether they would get to this point. And Tolkki reading this news of a new album must be kicking himself, especially with all the Revolution Renaissance fiasco in the last month.
True. That feeling was mainly because Tolkki was the mastermind, but many people didn't realized that the success in the past of Stratovarius was thanks to Jens, Jörg and Kotipelto too. Just see Tolkki now and the rest now. I mean, Tolkki was a great director, but you need talented people, if not, your directions will go nowhere. For me Tolkki is and was the best rock/metal composer out there while creating emotions and atmospheres in the songs. But hey, do not forget that this is a band. I say it again, it's happening the same, exactly the same with DT now. We'll see that nothing is lost. It is just another chapter. For example, I'm a hardcore fan of Stratovarius, and for me me one of the best moments in Stratovarius dicography is in Emancipation Suite part I from minute 4,54 to 6,24 and in Winter Skies song from minute 2,46 to 4,46. And that's thanks because of Lauri and Jens.
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Lauri Porra usually makes videos of the work in progress and how they are just having fun. Here you have two of them of the new album (more coming):
You can hear some seconds of demos of new songs appearing in the album:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZeN2WwsNcM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSJ1lrx5JKY
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I don't like power metal as much as I used to so I hope this new album will focus on Stratovarius' proggy side. Didn't Jens say in some interview that Matias had composed a 30 minute song? Maybe it's Elysium! Unfortunately it looks like they separate it into different tracks like they did with Emancipation Suite.
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I don't like power metal as much as I used to so I hope this new album will focus on Stratovarius' proggy side. Didn't Jens say in some interview that Matias had composed a 30 minute song? Maybe it's Elysium! Unfortunately it looks like they separate it into different tracks like they did with Emancipation Suite.
You can find a more proggy side in Stratovarius in some songs in their discography. Not that it was progressive metal as DT, but it is that there were some songs where you can find some proggy elements. For example if you listen to songs like:
Dreamspace, Lord of the wasteland, Twilight symphony, When the night meets the day, Galaxies, Eternity, Babylon, Season of change, The abyss of your eyes, Coming Home, Destiny, Infinity, soul of a vagabond, Dreamweaver, etc, etc you can't say that is 100% power metal. It is a more proggy side. Listen to them in a row and you can't say that is 100% power metal. In fact, Tolkki was always more prog than power metal. Neoclassical was somekind of style in the middle that he used incredibly well and it was really popular in the second half of the 90s, and he knew it and he knew that Kotipelto and his high ranges were more power metal.
Anyway, Stratovarius was always more a power metal oriented band.
Now I think they are trying a more proggy side, it's clear in the songs composed by Matias and Lauri in Polaris. About the Elyssium thing, maybe is that song that Matias had that was 30 minutes (of course that is not gonna be the final lenght XD ). And yes, that said Jens in an interview. I don't like when they make different tracks like in Emancipation. Let's hope to have Elyssium all in one.
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Samples fom the single online: https://www.amazon.de/gp/recsradio/radio/B0046JPPWE
And Jens confirmed that there will be a 20 minutes song in the album.
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Darkest Hours sounded a bit... weird. But it's not bad. Infernal Maze sounds epic! It seems that this will indeed be a bit proggier album!
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I like what I heard of Darkest Hours, especially the chorus. Infernal Maze reminds me of Elements style Strato.
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Different parts of the songs samples:
https://www.abella.de/p6-i4029759061700/stratovarius/darkest-hours-ep-/index.html
https://www.jpc.de/jpcng/SESSIONID/d11163ad7644f24b3f03d482d876bd50/poprock/detail/-/art/Stratovarius-Darkest-Hours-EP/hnum/4994069
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Those samples sound promising too. I'm sure that Infernal Maze was written by Jens! BTW, has anyone noticed that one melody in DT's The Best of Times (1.44 & 6.11) is quite reminiscent of Strato's Elements (7.17)?
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CHECK THIS!!!! ->> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CTOR_zyFPo
And another parts of the samples: https://es.7digital.com/artists/stratovarius/darkest-hours/
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The whole song, Darkest hours in youtube, recorderd from a Finnish radio -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY9sz8gS0pc
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Sound fucking great. :metal
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Sound fucking great. :metal
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I like what I hear.
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TRACK LIST:
1. DARKEST HOURS 4:11
ISRC DEH841000542
MUSIC BY MATIAS KUPIAINEN
LYRICS BY TIMO KOTIPELTO, MATIAS KUPIAINEN
2. UNDER FLAMING SKIES 3:52
ISRC DEH841000610
MUSIC BY TIMO KOTIPELTO, MATIAS KUPIAINEN
LYRICS BY TIMO KOTIPELTO
3. INFERNAL MAZE 5:33
ISRC DEH841000543
MUSIC BY MATIAS KUPIAINEN
LYRICS BY TIMO KOTIPELTO
4. FAIRNESS JUSTIFIED 4:21
ISRC DEH841000605
MUSIC BY MATIAS KUPIAINEN
LYRICS BY TIMO KOTIPELTO
5. THE GAME NEVER ENDS 3:54
ISRC DEH841000612
MUSIC BY JENS JOHANSSON
LYRICS BY JENS JOHANSSON
6. LIFETIME IN A MOMENT 6:39
ISRC DEH841000609
MUSIC BY LAURI PORRA
LYRICS BY LAURI PORRA
7. MOVE THE MOUNTAIN 5:34
ISRC DEH841000613
MUSIC BY JENS JOHANSSON
LYRICS BY JENS JOHANSSON
8. EVENT HORIZON 4:24
ISRC DEH841000611
MUSIC BY MATIAS KUPIAINEN
LYRICS BY TIMO KOTIPELTO
9. ELYSIUM 18:07
ISRC DEH841000606
MUSIC BY MATIAS KUPIAINEN
LYRICS BY MATIAS KUPIAINEN, TIMO KOTIPELTO
10. CASTAWAY (JAPAN BONUS TRACK) 4:40
ISRC DEH841000614
MUSIC BY LAURI PORRA
LYRICS BY LAURI PORRA
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Matius sure is pulling his weight.
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Wow, where did you find the tracklist and credits from?
Only 2 songs from Jens and 1 from Lauri (if you don't count the bonus track)? Weird... On Polaris they wrote most of the songs. But I like how Matias has composed an 18 minute song by himself! And it looks like he has written some lyrics too.
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Wow, where did you find the tracklist and credits from?
Only 2 songs from Jens and 1 from Lauri (if you don't count the bonus track)? Weird... On Polaris they wrote most of the songs. But I like how Matias has composed an 18 minute song by himself! And it looks like he has written some lyrics too.
Jens posted in the official forum. A lot of work by Matias it seems. I think that's good. I suppose the others wanted that to have fresh energy and new ideas mixed with them for this album.
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Matius sure is pulling his weight.
Yes, that seems. The guy is putting a lot of effort on this. That's good.
Deep Unknown for me was the most fresh song in Polaris, and it was created by him.
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1 minute samples!
https://us.7digital.com/artists/stratovarius/darkest-hours/
My expectations with this album are growing and growing...
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OK, I'm really excited now. ;D
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There's a version of the song Infernal maze, recorded from a finnish radio.
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deleted
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Dear Stratovarius fans, I am afraid we have some quite terrible news. News of the worst imaginable kind. It's about our friend and drummer Jörg Michael.
Jörg has cancer.
He recently discovered a lump on his neck, went to the doctor, they decided to operate, and found what they call "a malignant thyroid neoplasm". They took out his whole thyroid just to have the best chance to get everything out. He will also have to undergo a regimen of radiotherapy. He is a fighter. We have all talked to him and it's clear that this guy is not down for the count. He and his team of German doctors are pissed off and ready to kick ass, and I would not want to be a little cancer cell on these guys' shit list.. believe me.
Jörg and his family (and us guys in the band) found this out only last week, after the operation. Naturally we are all going between a lot of emotions, sadness, worry, shock, confusion, even anger.
As for Stratovarius, as you perhaps know there is a long tour coming up with Helloween, and with the surgery and therapy that will now follow there is no way Jörg can do the first part of the tour. For me personally (it's Jens writing this if you didn't figure it out) I at first felt quite hopeless about the tour, because I was so upset about all this news. But Jörg himself has been extremely clear that he does not want the band to cancel a single show because of this. In the end this is what made at least me feel better about going back hitting the road next week.
So, we have debated what to do for many days now. Jörg first suggested my brother Anders to do this November-December 2010 leg, but it turns out Anders will unfortunately be busy recording some record or other with that little indie cellar band of his called HammerFall. Surprised) After a lot of searching we found a guy that both can do it and didn't have other commitments: Alex Landenburg. He plays well, Jörg says he is a great guy (very important!) and he even started learning the set already before we even had decided what to do, which to me shows a lot of dedication. You can google Alex' name if you are curious.
So it turns out that Stratovarius will do the first leg of the Helloween Seven Sinner tour, just as planned, only not with Jörg behind the kit, but with Jörg very much as a motivator to us being there. Not one single date will be cancelled or changed. Jörg wants to be back on the road with us again as soon as possible depending on the thearapy, but we are not making any promises, that one is up to powers even higher than Jörg Michael and his doctors. We will try to keep you somewhat updated.
Anyway, the most important thing is that they think they got all the bad stuff out and that the end result is that we just fix that sentence I wrote above. We will then say:
Jörg had cancer. But he beat it.
/Jens
https://forum.stratovarius.com/viewtopic.php?t=10208
Seems they got out all the bad stuff and with some medication he will be alright in some months.
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Very shocking news. The rate of metal musicians getting sick lately is awful. Hope he gets well really soon, an amazing drummer and seems like a cool guy.
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Wow that sucks, but he seem to have the right spirit and attitude to fight this. Can't wait to see him back behind the drums when the time is right!
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Actually, a few days ago, Matias posted in a Stratovarius thread in the forum of a Finnish website for musicians, that they have some sad news coming soon. I didn't know it'd be THIS sad news! Hopefully Jörg gets better soon!
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Actually, a few days ago, Matias posted in a Stratovarius thread in the forum of a Finnish website for musicians, that they have some sad news coming soon. I didn't know it'd be THIS sad news! Hopefully Jörg gets better soon!
Where was that?
It is really sad news. Anyway, seems that with some therapy he will get ok. This kind of cancer plus detected that soon is 100% curable.
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I don't think you understand Finnish but here's the link: https://muusikoiden.net/keskustelu/posts.php?c=44&t=97406&o=280 He's the "Ambitus" guy. A rough translation of the his first post on the page:
"Alright, now the whole shit including bonus tracks is ready. I'll take a mug of beer to celebrate that.
There'll be many different special editions of the new album, and we've been working every night and day for almost 3 months. Tomorrow we'll fly to Germany and start rehearsing for the upcoming tour. Rock on!
ps. The band has some sad news coming up in a few days. I don't know if anyone is interested, but I'll post them here after we get the announcements ready.
Matias"
I thought it was some band member leaving but this is even more serious!
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OK, many thanks for the info, ?.
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You can send your wishes to Jörg here www.stratovarius.eu
or mail to get_well_jorg@stratovarius.eu directly
All the messages will be published and forwarded and he will read our support.
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Awful news, just sent him a short message, I hope he'll have the time to read it.
Get well, Jorg. :metal
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CMON JÖRG!! Get well soon! We want to see you again doint this things!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2rhG-Ic1Kk :metal :metal :metal :metal
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Elysium deluxe edition cover.
(https://api.photoshop.com/v1.0/accounts/d61ea377e12847c186f309c380b621cb/assets/7764268d7d814b5d8707a7d5c1105271/renditions/1024.jpg)
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New interview with TImo Kotipelto:
STRATOVARIUS - Darkness And Light
Hot Flashes
Posted on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 03:13:29 EST
By Carl Begai
Nothing ever goes as planned, but that can be a positive. Case in point with STRATOVARIUS, who had planned to finish out 2010 working on a new record with a release set for February / March 2011. Instead, the band made the surprise move to release a new single in November 2010 featuring new tracks ‘Darkest Hours’ and ‘Infernal Maze’ in anticipation of a European tour supporting German metal veterans HELLOWEEN. At the same time the new album, Elysium, was pushed forward to hit the shelves in January 2011. Frontman Timo Kotipelto welcomes the familiar pre-release chaos, especially now that Stratovarius has an official new lease on life with the all-important second album featuring new guitarist Matias Kupiainen. He admits, however, that the buzz generated so far in advance of the new album is something of a surprise.
“It started last June when we got a call from the Helloween camp asking if we wanted to tour with them. We were planning on putting out the album next year but we nothing definite was confirmed, so when the tour offer came up we had figure something out. The album wasn’t going to be finished before the tour started, so we decided to release the single. The idea for an EP came from the record company, and I think it was a good one. The album itself is being mastered as we speak. It’s done.”
Kotipelto agrees that Stratovarius lucked out hooking up with Edel / earMusic, a label that has made its presence known once again on the metal scene over the last couple years. As with the release of Polaris, Edel has invested serious time and money in promoting the Helloween tour and the ‘Darkest Hours’ single; a rarity in the day and age of record companies being overly cautious about how they invest their finances.
“We’re very happy with the work Edel are doing. You said it yourself; the albums aren’t selling as many copies as they used to, many labels aren’t signing new bands, and if they are the bands aren’t promoted very well. Edel did a lot of work for Polaris and we have a very good relationship with them. We’re happy they’re actually doing this much work for us. It seems there’s going to be five or six months of tour altogether for the new album, which is a lot, but it’s good for us.”
Most fans agree that Polaris was a nice try, but not the full-on old school Stratovarius album everyone was hoping for. Elysium is, therefore, the band’s do or die effort. Asked if he learned anything from the Polaris experience that was applied – or not – to the new album, Kotipelto says it was in fact business as usual to some degree in spit of having a different working environment.
“I’ve done 12 or 13 albums in my life and it’s basically always the same hectic running to meet the deadline. It’s very stressful, so I basically haven’t learned anything (laughs). Working on the new album was different from Polaris, of course, because Matias had just joined the band when we started demoing stuff for the last album. We didn’t have the live experience with this line-up like we do now. The new album isn’t totally different from Polaris, but it is different. I would say the new album is the kind of album that Polaris should have been, but of course that wasn’t possible at the time. Hopefully it doesn’t sound too different from what people expect. The material sounds like the past but it’s presented in a modern day sort of way.”
“Most of the new stuff is actually composed by Matias,” he reveals. “There are two songs from Jens (Johansson / keyboards) and one from me. There’s one long song on the album, which is about 18 minutes divided into three different parts. We were thinking that they should be indexed separately, but it ended up on the album as just one long song.”
“I was pleasantly surprised,” Kotipelto says of Kupiainen. “He’s probably the best guitarist I’ve ever played live with. I don’t know what his problem is but he doesn’t make any mistakes (laughs). When he joined the band we weren’t tight as a group because we hadn’t played live together, but we did over 100 shows for Polaris. Those four or five months made us tighter and Matias is more relaxed because he knows what we’re expecting and what the fans expect.”
The forthcoming album is also an important step towards erasing the tabloid drama of the last several years and the fallout that has dogged the band since they decided to continue without guitarist Timo Tolkki.
“I think the media will take us more seriously again. Some of them thought we were just living off our past with Polaris, thinking we couldn’t compose anything without Tolkki. If you listen to the new album you’ll see that we don’t need him in the band anymore. We respect him as a songwriter but we’ve definitely moved on.”
The focus is on the tour, however, and not what the media hacks think.
“I see the tour as a really good opportunity for us – and for Helloween – to reach more people together. Especially for us because they already had this tour set up; it was very easy for us to just jump in. The fans are very enthusiastic about this idea of having two power metal old time bands out there together. Power metal hasn’t been all that popular over the last few years, but some of the bands that were bigger in the past are still there. I don’t think there’s a lot of selection for fans of this kind of music when it comes to shows, so I think this is going to be a good tour.”
Sadly, word came down a couple weeks before the tour that drummer Jörg Michael had been diagnosed with cancer. A crushing blow for a band on its way back up, but Kotipelto says that Michael wasn’t about to watch Stratovarius come to a grinding halt on his behalf.
“Jörg told us we shouldn’t cancel the tour, that we should to start the tour without him, and he’s planning to join us in January. I believe he’ll beat the cancer. He’s now taking some iodine treatment and can't be on the first leg with us, but I saw him during the weekend and he was very optimistic about his return. The rehearsals with (temporary replacement) Alex Landenburg are going well; he’s a good drummer and a very nice guy. We’ll try to deliver as good shows as possible considering the situation. Jörg's illness came as a total shock to us and it took days to even understand what it’s all about. He’s very happy about all the support he’s gotten from friends and fans. He’s a fighter and won’t give up, and we’re looking forward to his triumphant return.”
https://www.bravewords.com/news/151135
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Darkest Hours whole song in youtube (the single was released yesterday in Finland)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7OmLxD1liI
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Just listened to Darkest Hours, very impressive stuff. Very fresh, great keyboards from Jens, and a nice touch with the 7 string. Really great chorus, and some nice progressive moments. Digging Jens chromatic runs in the solo.
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Sounds really cool. And it is a single, I mean a more easy song. But this is not like other singles they made, this is a bit more complex and it's not a song that you get tired at the second listen. Wow, this album seems is gonna be really good!
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I'm not too impressed. Guess I'll have to wait for the album to be blown away. :biggrin:
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Darkest Hours is great! Can't wait to hear the whole album!
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Darkest hours (demo): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n9RDhGK_kc
INFERNAL MAZE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RKepSIn8tc
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Pictures practising with Alex Landenburg, the replacement drummer till January more or less when the return of Jörg is planned: https://www.the-pit.de/fotos/article/fotos-stratovarius-in-castrop-rauxel-proberaum-november-2010/
(https://www.the-pit.de/typo3temp/pics/d0cbbe8ec1.jpg)
(https://www.the-pit.de/typo3temp/pics/4b1e159acd.jpg)
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Infernal Maze is great too! Sounds quite different compared to their other stuff.
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get well soon...the tune is great
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I'm still very interested about the 18minute song.
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Elysium (the album) samples online: https://www.amazon.de/Elysium/dp/B004EP2WDA/
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Those samples sound great! :metal
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I hate 30 second samples, but nevertheless, is sounds solid. There seems to be a couple more faster tracks on this, but I still would like a couple more. That was my only problem with Polaris, I wanted more classic Higher We Go type songs.
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All of the songs sound very solid. :tup
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MORE SAMPLES!!! THESE ONES A LOT BETTER: https://itunes.apple.com/de/preorder/elysium-bonus-edition/id406510600
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The first leg of the tour with Helloween has finished. There are alot of videos in youtube but here I post some regarding new songs:
Under Flaming Skies (AMAZING!!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNt0KuPBW-U
Darkest Hours
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2wFMBKop6c&feature=player_embedded
And some classics:
Black Diamond: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjOE9TU5BMM&feature=player_embedded
Distant Skies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qkTTJRSzV0&feature=player_embedded
Against the wind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nni-aoFnKuQ&feature=player_embedded#!
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lol..that's the title of the album by The Velvet Teen I've been into of late. I'm there's no other resemblance between the two though.
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Quote:
23/12/2010 | Message from Jörg
Dear All,
this is Joerg speaking after all.
I hope this mail finds everybody well and everybody is in easy beasy Christmas mood already.
The first leg of the European tour with Helloween is over – time to have a few words with you.
First of all lets not forget the brilliant emergency rescue action and playing of Alex, thanx again for all what you did for the fans, the band and also for me.
Surely I hate the idea of somebdy is sitting on "my chair" but this special action needed some special treatment and I am proud and happy that it was you Alex. Thanx again, we see around for a real drink, not like these other Scandinavian pussies in the band:-)))
I was overwhelmed by all the wishes, tons of emails and text messages I received from all over the world wishing me a speedy recovery.
Thank you so much for supporting me and it made me feel very strong fighting this bastards inside of me.
I have some good news to tell you and believe me - I really enjoy to tell the world:
The surgery was done about 6 weeks ago and the first therapy is done as well.
All looks good so far and as Jens told me before:
"Do not worry Jörg, what should survive in your body after all what you did to him!"
Finally he was right, there are only small bits and bobs left - I will fight those with another therapy in about 4 month time.
I think I have been very lucky that it was discovered by one of my friends in a very early state.
Very good that my friend decided to become a doctor, he was very lousy when he tried playing the guitar.
Besides I am preparing myself for Christmas, I am currently practicing the drums to be ready and kickin again when the tour continues in the new year.
I will be back, thanx again for everything and lets get alive and kicking once again, see you in Paris and everywhere else......
Best,
Jörg Michael
https://www.stratovarius.fr/index1.php
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
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Sounds great!
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Glad to hear he's ok now! :)
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:metal
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Yaay! ;D
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Amazing news.
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EVENT HORIZON (Japanese radio): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ijicu6eYQjU
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people listen to this band?
lol
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people listen to this band?
lol
yesh!!! lots, a lot more peopl e listen to strato then lsuiten to you so STFU!!!!!!!
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:'(
it was a question. why are you so hurtful. Visions is a great album
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:'(
it was a question. why are you so hurtful. Visions is a great album
sorry bro.
i thought youse was making fun with the lol in you comment, vision is amazing,!!!!! as is Infinite, elements etc.
sorry again :heart
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:heart :heart
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:heart :heart
:heart i am drunk, i only use that sehn i am drumk. :heart
looking foward to this new sstrato album. polaris was good.
:heart :heart :heart :heart
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Elysium deluxe edition cover.
(https://api.photoshop.com/v1.0/accounts/d61ea377e12847c186f309c380b621cb/assets/7764268d7d814b5d8707a7d5c1105271/renditions/1024.jpg)
(https://i559.photobucket.com/albums/ss37/ibloop/full-panel-rage1.png)
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::)
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i'm i the only one who likes those guy's :blush there pretty awesome!!
here's the biography of the band:
Stratovarius was founded in 1984 in Finland under the name Black Water. They went through a number of personnel, style and name changes before the band found its own voice. The founding members were Tuomo Lassila, Staffan Stråhlman, and John Vihervä. By 1985, the name had changed to Stratovarius (a combination of Stratocaster and Stradivarius), and guitarist/vocalist Timo Tolkki entered the band, replacing Stråhlman.
Tolkki became the driving force and mastermind of the band, assuming relatively complete control of the song-writing. He brought along not only strong rock influences, but also a neo-classical tinge. The band released a demo to various record companies by 1987, finally being picked up by CBS Finland. In 1989, their debut album Fright Night was released, following two singles. After being dropped by CBS, the band went through several member changes, but they managed to release a second album on another label. In 1994 they released their third album, Dreamspace, featuring new bass player Jari Kainulainen, and after that, a full-time singer joined the band: Timo Kotipelto. The release of Fourth Dimension (featuring Kotipelto on vocals) in 1995 was a great success, but internal differences in the band, particularly about the future musical direction, prompted the departure of long-time drummer Tuomo Lassila and keyboardist Antti Ikonen.
Two new non-Finnish members were recruited: Swedish keyboardist Jens Johansson, of Yngwie Malmsteen fame; and German drummer Jörg Michael. With the fifth release Episode, Stratovarius had finally found its sound and had a strong, diverse line-up. Episode was a grand project, featuring a large choir and a string orchestra. It spawned some of the all-time greatest Stratovarius hits, such as Father Time and Will The Sun Rise. This line-up released three hugely successful albums over the years: Visions in 1997, Destiny in 1999, and Infinite in 2000. With every album, their fame and fan-base expanded, and they started gaining a stronger following outside Scandinavia, particularly in Japan. In 2003, the band released its most epic project yet, the two album suite named Elements. With these albums, they reached a peak in their progressive and symphonic style of power-metal. The first album, Elements pt. 1, was released in early 2003, followed by a world tour. Elements pt. 1 was followed by Elements pt. 2, also released on
Nuclear Blast records the same year.
In January 2005, Stratovarius recorded their self-titled new album which was released in the same year by Sanctuary Records. In June 2005, Jari Kainulainen left the band, and was replaced by Lauri Porra. In the fall of 2005, Stratovarius was on the road in the US. Stratovarius was at times progressive and experimentally skewed, and a rather dark record. It was a daring and ambitious album which took the band in a new direction.
But unfortunately, dark clouds were shadowing the band’s path once again. In 2005, Sanctuary was starting to have severe financial problems and the whole label collapsed just as the record was released. Much of Sanctuary’s staff was made redundant, the stock price plunged, and banks and other creditors circled the company like vultures. The band played over 100 shows without any support from their record company, appearing at numerous festivals, and a long period of extensive touring all over Europe, Japan and South America began. One highlight was the two month Monster Metal Madness tour together with Shakra and HammerFall. It was a package of true power metal at its best, conquering Europe like an avalanche. In the meantime, Sanctuary’s financial troubles had really deepened. The band had to enter into a legal process with them to be able to release their next album. But the battle with this giant sinking multinational ship dragged on for more than a year, and it drained a lot of the spirit out of the band. In the end these tough times proved too much for Tolkki. In April 2008 he left Stratovarius and its debts and troubles behind, and gave the remaining members his blessing to do whatever they want with the band and the legal case, and formed a new band, Revolution Renaissance. The rest of Stratovarius’ members found themselves in legal limbo and with a heavy legal debt, but they were without preconceptions also all working on new music. The turning point came when a settlement with Sanctuary was finally achieved in late summer 2008.
A burst of creative energy followed. The young and very talented Finnish lead guitarist, Matias Kupiainen, joined the band.
In September 2008 the band found the freedom to go into seclusion for almost a month in a cottage by the sea in a Finnish forest to relax, laugh, write songs, be creative together, and record. And they found themselves being a band reborn. The result is a melodic, powerful, fresh, tight, and technically elaborate new album.
Polaris was recorded in the fall 2008 at Hästholmen and 5by5 studios, Helsinki, Finland. Mixed by the longtime confidant of the band Mikko Karmila the album became another shining polar star at the Northern sky. Powerful melodies mingle with sophisticated arrangements, strong anthems stand alongside heavy songs. 11 songs full of energy, musicianship, and a positive outlook.
Polaris is a positive, powerful album that Stratovarius fans all over the world are certain to take to their hearts.
The band will support the release of their new studio album with live shows around the globe in 2009 and 2010. Polaris will see a worldwide release in late May 2009 on edel/ear and JVC in Asia.
I love Jens Johansson playing on the key's he's pretty awesome :metal also the drummer of the band have Cancer :eek
so what do you think about them and what is your favorite album?
for me my favorite album has to be:
EPISODE, DESTINY, VISIONS, ELYSIUM (apparently it got leaked on the net:P), INFINITE, INTERMISSION and POLARIS (well i didn't quite like that one)
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The only guy here? Well sir you are mistaken.
There are a few fans here, two regulars (including me) from the Stratovarius forums also.
Jens is pretty much a god on the keys, and Jörgi has almost beaten cancer, i think only one radiation treatment left or so.
My favourite albums are:
1. Visions
2. Dreamspace
3. Destiny
(Oh and now that i think about it isn't there a thread about Stratovarius already?)
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This one is mostly about their new album:
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=17741.0
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The whole labum is in youtube. Anyway, I won't listen till the release!!
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..I did. :lol It's better then Polaris. best song is the 17 minute titletrack.
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..I did. :lol It's better then Polaris. best song is the 17 minute titletrack.
That's promising, I think I'll hold off listening to it also.
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I won't listen to it until I've bought the album. But I guess I'll like the title track, I'm a fan of epics!
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:omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: This album is absolutely amazing. WOW! Lifetime in a moment and Move the mountain are AWESOME. I will post more when I listen the whole album.
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Seriously, I'm amazed with this album. Elysium song is a masterpiece. The solo at the end is awesome. What a fucking fantastic album.
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Yeah, I've heard a couple songs and it sounds phenomenal.
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I bought it yesterday. Such a great album, one of their best albums if not THE best album they've ever done! The title track is excellent but it needs more listens to fully click with me. Also, the digipak with the hologram cover looks awesome! I'll listen to the demos probably today.
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SHIT! I'm going to Madrid just like last year to see them, but TK had a food poisoning and had to cancel the shows in Paris and Lyon. They are travelling to Spain (tomorrow Bilbao, saturday Madrid and Sunday Barcelona) but who knows if Timo will be able to sing...
This has been posted by Jens in the official forums:
Well, the good news is that we're back on the road with Helloween. And Jörg Michael is back in his drum chair after his brush with death. The bad news is that Timo Kotipelto caught some sort of bacterial infection. We suspect it was something from the backstage food in December, but we don't know. Two of the other people on the tour had the same thing: a very bad dysentery-like stomach infection with vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration, also eventually had to go to hospital, etc.
Timo's infection is stubborn and in addition to ruining his Christmas break, it has dried out his vocal cords. In his own words, he can't sing a note at the moment. We are currently in France and so far we had to cancel playing in Paris and Lyon.
We are of course very sorry about this, and nobody is more heartbroken or frustrated than Timo himself. Apart from heeding the advice from doctors we are in touch with, the only thing we can do at the moment is to hope Timo gets better. We will ride the 1000 km to Bilbao tonight and hopefully we will all get some sleep on the nice smooth French motorways.
Here is a short video about the Paris cancellation and some words from Jörg. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBqq3o0_fhc
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What a bad luck! First Jörg's cancer and after he's healed, Timo's voice!
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What a bad luck! First Jörg's cancer and after he's healed, Timo's voice!
I'm really scared man, who knows if he will be able to sing in Madrid. In Bilbao is tomorrow, let's hope he can get some rest till the show. :'(
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Just listened to the bonus demo disc of the digipak... I'm surprised how much the lyrics have changed on the songs! I think the only line from Darkest Hours demo that remained in the final version was "never alone"
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Just listened to the bonus demo disc of the digipak... I'm surprised how much the lyrics have changed on the songs! I think the only line from Darkest Hours demo that remained in the final version was "never alone"
Yeah, that's true. Let's hope somebody can extract the songs from the 7" vinyl and upload them. Those are Hallowed and Last Shore. Let's hope to have soon Castaway too.
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There was a sample of Castaway at some site, it wasn't bad but it didn't sound as awesome as the other songs on the albums IMO.
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What's the official release date of this?
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What's the official release date of this?
I believe yesterday.
Also, this album fucking rocks.
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What's the official release date of this?
I believe yesterday.
Also, this album fucking rocks.
These reactions are very promising.
So, it's better than Polaris? Yes?
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What's the official release date of this?
I believe yesterday.
Also, this album fucking rocks.
These reactions are very promising.
So, it's better than Polaris? Yes?
Just finished listening to it. It certainly is. They seem to have made a much more organized album in terms of music and ideas than Polaris was.
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the album is betteer than Polaris. It is one of the best Stratovarius albums without doubt. It have it all, speed, proggy parts, atmospheric, dark, light...
I'm amazed with this album. It is enjoyable to listeng from the beginning to the end. RULES!
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Polaris was great IMO but this is even better! It's probably the most diverse Stratovarius album and of their proggiest. It's also a bit heavier and more guitar-oriented than Polaris. I guess that's 'cause on all the previous albums the guitars were tuned to D# but on this one Matias used C# tuning (he said so in some interview).
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The album gets better with each listen. :corn
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Polaris was great IMO but this is even better! It's probably the most diverse Stratovarius album and of their proggiest. It's also a bit heavier and more guitar-oriented than Polaris. I guess that's 'cause on all the previous albums the guitars were tuned to D# but on this one Matias used C# tuning (he said so in some interview).
C# tuning! That's very interesting. That for sure would give it a fresher sound.
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C# tuning! That's very interesting. That for sure would give it a fresher sound.
Actually, I read the interview again and it's dropped C# tuning. But anyway, lower than the one they've used before.
The album gets better with each listen. :corn
My thoughts exactly! The title track is now my favorite Stratovarius song! It was quite interesting to know that Infernal Maze was originally part of it. Matias said they thought IM could work on its own so they made it a separate song. Elysium could also be my favorite Strato album. Polaris was great, but I didn't like it as much as I liked Episode and Fourth Dimension (which have been my 2 favorites). But Elysium is simply a masterpiece!
I guess this is a controversial opinion, but I have to say it: I've never found Visions very interesting. Of course there are some classic songs, but there are some songs that don't grab my attention at all. IMO it's quite inconsistent, unlike, albums such as Dreamspace, Fourth Dimension, Episode and Infinite.
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I really loved Visions, great record. I gotta say possibly my fav Strato album is Elements Pt 1, just a magic record, I love it, it's perfect. I'd say my second fav might actually be Twilight Time. Amazing record.
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Visions and Episode are tied as my favourite Strato album.
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My ranking ATM:
Elysium
Episode
Fourth Dimension
Polaris
Elements Pt. 1
Infinite
Dreamspace
Twilight Time
Destiny
Visions
Elements Pt. 2
Stratovarius
Fright Night
It's a pity that Twilight Time, Dreamspace, and sometimes even Fourth Dimension, are so underrated!
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Holy shit, is Elysium even better than Polaris, my favorite Stratovarius release? I'll have to give it a listen when I'm done with the exams.
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I have to say that this album has exceeded all my expectations. I was sure that this album would be better than Polaris, cause Polaris was released in a strange environment with a lot of pressure and now, with the guys together just letting the art appears, the album would be really good.
But wow! This album is better than I thought! I'm really happy with this album cause it has a lot of variations in the whole album, it is well constructed, perfect arrengements, wonderful solos, a lot of guitar, a lot of bass, a lot of drums, a lot of keys and TK sing just like he just can, I like a lot the tone in the whole album and the variations he have in his voice for this album. In Polaris the voice sounded a bit forced in some songs, not being bad, just a bit strange. Now it's all really polished and perfectly mixed.
Soon to say, but I think that, having in mind that i have listen to the album so many times, I'm able to say that it is in my Top 3, with Episode, Visions and Fourth Dimension. I can't say that Destiny of Infinite for example are better than this album, I can't cause I don't feel it.
Darkest Hours: is the typical single. I think it is more a kind of single than Deep Unknown was. Anyway I think DU is better as a song, but not for a single. A new Stratovarius single with a catchy chorus, nice melodies and fantastic solo. a song that makes you feel good. The message is very very good.
Under Flaming Skies: is the best song composed ever by TK with difference. I think the improvement in TK comes thanks to Matias too, cause from the very beginning this two guys fits really well while composing.
Infernal Maze: is like the typical Stratovarius song but with that new elements Matias have. It is a relly enjoyable song and powerful. It reminds me a bit the way TK sings to Find your own voice.
Fairness Justified: a slow song that fits perfect at that part of the album. It is maybe the "weakest" song for me, but I can't say this song is weak, it is just because I have to find something weak in the album . Anyway, the solo is amazing and it is one of the best in the whole album. Reminds me a bit of the kind of song The abyss of your eyes is.
The Game Never Ends: (or here comes Jens). Faster than light! A really fast and technical song with a lot of energy thanks to the Jens keyboard. It is a song that makes you think inmediately with Jens getting mad with the keys. The lyrics are a bit strange sometimes, but they are cool and have a lot of meaning. A song that all keyboards player should listen.
Lifetime In A Moment: one of my favourites songs from the album. Lauri, it is Lauri. Atmospheric song with really cool riff and amazing bass line and with a lot of versatility with TK vocals. Maybe one of the best works while singing from TK in the album. some kind of midtempo-atmospheric-slow-strong song. The only think I hate is the intro, cause it is too long.
Move The Mountain: I would lie if I say that I have not cried a bit with the song. It is a precious ballad. I like a lot what Jens try to say and here comes Jens again, the other side of Jens, that side similar to Winter Skies. I just can't believe how Jens has never composed more for Stratovarius. Well, I'm sure he did, but we know the rest. I just hope this man never stop making music, cause it is part of my life. The solo is amazing and different, that's innovation by Jens, it is different and shows the wide spectrum of ideas he have. How I love this song. The atmosphere is just oneiric.
Event Horizon: or how to release a modern song without losing your identity. Kind of frantic and speedy song with a lot of intrincate melodies and wonderful lyrics/vocals. Another song that all keyboards player should listen. The solo in the middle is just frantic, it is :omg: :omg: . Man I don't know how the Jensokeyboard can exist today after playing that :lol .
Elysium: Matias, what have you done, man? I hope to see you and tell you congratulations. It is the first time that Stratovarius "plays" with a long song like this. Prog elements, speed, variations, changes, place for all the instruments to shine, TK singing with new kind of melodies and arrengements...
The whole song is A MASTERPIECE. Matias demonstrate that it is a monster while composing. He has composed a song that could have been a disaster cause it is a new part of Stratovarius discography. On the contrary, people loves the song cause is not boring at all. It is amazing and makes your feelings flow through the whole song. The solo at the end is tremendous. Man, you have been a perfect choice for this band, a perfect choice. Just be yourself, that's all, dude.
This is a wonderful album. How happy I am. I'm really happy with the work from all the members this time. They have done a great work together. The artwork is beautiful too.
I think this album is a classic with just two days from the release date.
Here you can hear the bonus from the vinyl. This album rules. I can't stop listening to it!!!!!!
Hallowed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9KgN41IJZk
Last Shore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOFWRgq4Cq8&feature=player_embedded
EDIT: I saw the band yesterday in Madrid.
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Hallowed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9KgN41IJZk
Last Shore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOFWRgq4Cq8&feature=player_embedded
Just listened to these songs. Both have a Dreamspace vibe, which is good 'cause I like Dreamspace much. However, they aren't as good as the songs on the album, so I see why they were left out.
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Hallowed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9KgN41IJZk
Last Shore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOFWRgq4Cq8&feature=player_embedded
Just listened to these songs. Both have a Dreamspace vibe, which is good 'cause I like Dreamspace much. However, they aren't as good as the songs on the album, so I see why they were left out.
True, those are good songs (I prefer Hallowed) but better as a bonus, those aren't that good for the album.
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Special offer in the US, Elysium downloads for $6.66!
https://www.loudtrax.com/Album.aspx?id=59116
The skiiiiiiesss are burrrrrrninnnnnnnng!
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Did somebody noticed the absolutely amazing bass line work in the whole album?
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I did, the bass is actually very loud.
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Yeah, Lauri does great job! :tup I've also noticed that Jens used many new synth sounds on this album, which is a good thing.
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Yeah, Lauri does great job! :tup I've also noticed that Jens used many new synth sounds on this album, which is a good thing.
That's cool but I hope he doesn't use too many different sounds, he always has had one of the best keyboard tones I've ever heard.
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All of them sounded pretty cool as far as i can remember. Some neo-classical on this album aswell.
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Yes, it mix the old and the new elements. The album is plenty of fantastic keyboard sounds and a really loud bass, amazing guitar riffs and solos, TK singing in different ways, you can hear from Jörg the typical speed and more calmed and sudden rythms. This album is a fantastic instruments work.
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Nr 1 in Finland! https://www.ifpi.fi/tilastot/virallinen-lista/albumit/2011/3
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Nr 1 in Finland! https://www.ifpi.fi/tilastot/virallinen-lista/albumit/2011/3
Congrats to the guys! :tup Elysium is their first album since Infinite to top the Finnish charts! Polaris peaked at #2 here if I remember correctly.
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Nr 1 in Finland! https://www.ifpi.fi/tilastot/virallinen-lista/albumit/2011/3
Congrats to the guys! :tup Elysium is their first album since Infinite to top the Finnish charts! Polaris peaked at #2 here if I remember correctly.
No, Inifinite peaked #2. The last one that peaked #1 was Destiny. You can check it here: https://ylex.yle.fi/lista/artisti?id=75
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Actually Infinite did get a #1 spot in its first week, it's just mislabeled as "Infinity" on that site.
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Actually Infinite did get a #1 spot in its first week, it's just mislabeled as "Infinity" on that site.
Ok, thanks for checking.
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Japan bonus track, Castaway: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7rRleFcsXo
Seems that the bonus tracks are a bit weak for Elysium. But it's ok, at least we have more songs!
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The harpsichord intro reminds me of Black Diamond. The song itself is quite good. When I read the tracklisting when it was posted on the Strato site, I was joking in my mind "they're gonna cover Amorphis on the Japanese edition?" :biggrin:
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The harpsichord intro reminds me of Black Diamond. The song itself is quite good. When I read the tracklisting when it was posted on the Strato site, I was joking in my mind "they're gonna cover Amorphis on the Japanese edition?" :biggrin:
Yes, the song is quite good. I didn't heart it well, cause I was at work. Sounds really good and the keys reminds Black Diamond, yes.
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Finally I got the chance to listen to Elysium this week, and I can't believe this is happening. Stratovarius has to be the first band that released their two best albums twenty five years after the foundation - Elysium is my favorite release by Stratovarius. There is no Timo Tolkki, but without him this is a whole different band - and, in my humble opinion, a better band.
Some of my favorites: Elysium (so beautiful), Event horizon, Infernal maze and Under flaming skies.
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Some pictures of Jens in Croatia: ;D ;D ;D ;D
https://forum.stratovarius.com/userpix/5_IMG_3608_Large_1.jpg
https://forum.stratovarius.com/userpix/5_IMG_3616_Large_1.jpg
https://forum.stratovarius.com/userpix/5_IMG_3622_Large_1.jpg
https://forum.stratovarius.com/userpix/5_IMG_3626_Large_1.jpg
Jörg interview! I recommend you this one. It is very nice and sincere (video): https://video.es.msn.com/watch/video/entrevista-a-stratovarius/1qhvyudzm
Another one with Lauri: https://www.radiotangra.com/?page=int&lng=en&id=255
Another one with Jens: https://www.musicaheavy.org/entrevista-a-jens-johansson-teclista-de-stratovarius-%E2%80%9Cen-2008-tenia-serias-dudas-de-que-esta-banda-siguiese-adelante%E2%80%9D/
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Finally I got the chance to listen to Elysium this week, and I can't believe this is happening. Stratovarius has to be the first band that released their two best albums twenty five years after the foundation - Elysium is my favorite release by Stratovarius. There is no Timo Tolkki, but without him this is a whole different band - and, in my humble opinion, a better band.
Some of my favorites: Elysium (so beautiful), Event horizon, Infernal maze and Under flaming skies.
Yes, Elysium is an absolutely incredible masterpiece. The final solo is !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg:
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Yeah, and how about that part from fifth to tenth minute? It's as close to musical perfection as it gets. :hefdaddy
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I still haven't gotten around to ordering this yet. :(
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I still haven't gotten around to ordering this yet. :(
DO IT
This is best Stratovarius since infinite.
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Just listened to the album. Title-track is ABSOLUTELY mind-blowing.
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Just a question, I am trying to figure out which version to order. How necessary are the demos? I'm not one to be too overly fond of demos and usually listen to them once and move on.
I'm actually contemplating ordering the Japanese version with the Castaway bonus track.
What do you all think?
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The demos have almost completely different lyrics so it makes them a tad more interesting but i haven't found myself listening to them all that much. The bonus tracks on this album are weaker in comparison to the normal songs IMO but Castaway is okay, i just went with the normal album. :laugh:
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It's quite funny how most of the complaints I've heard about Kotipelto's pronunciation have come from Finnish people! :lol
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I have no complaints because i pronounce stuff almost exactly the same. :lol
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Just a question, I am trying to figure out which version to order. How necessary are the demos? I'm not one to be too overly fond of demos and usually listen to them once and move on.
I'm actually contemplating ordering the Japanese version with the Castaway bonus track.
What do you all think?
For me the demo verions are an absolute waste of space-money :D I've never been a fan of that. I want new complete songs, so for me the best option for you would be the Japanese version and then download Last Shore and Hallowed. Castaway is one of my favourites songs from the album now.
It's quite funny how most of the complaints I've heard about Kotipelto's pronunciation have come from Finnish people! :lol
:rollin That has been happening always in Stratovarius, mainly finnish people complain about that.
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Just a question, I am trying to figure out which version to order. How necessary are the demos? I'm not one to be too overly fond of demos and usually listen to them once and move on.
I'm actually contemplating ordering the Japanese version with the Castaway bonus track.
What do you all think?
For me the demo verions are an absolute waste of space-money :D I've never been a fan of that. I want new complete songs, so for me the best option for you would be the Japanese version and then download Last Shore and Hallowed. Castaway is one of my favourites songs from the album now.
You have convinced me Raziel, thanks. Also what region release of the album has these other two tracks?
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Just a question, I am trying to figure out which version to order. How necessary are the demos? I'm not one to be too overly fond of demos and usually listen to them once and move on.
I'm actually contemplating ordering the Japanese version with the Castaway bonus track.
What do you all think?
For me the demo verions are an absolute waste of space-money :D I've never been a fan of that. I want new complete songs, so for me the best option for you would be the Japanese version and then download Last Shore and Hallowed. Castaway is one of my favourites songs from the album now.
You have convinced me Raziel, thanks. Also what region release of the album has these other two tracks?
Normal Edtion
Release Date: 2011.01.12 (Finland) / 2011.01.14 (Rest of Europe)
Label: earMUSIC / Edel Germany GmbH
Catalogue Number: 0206215ERE
Bar-Code: 4029759062158
Packaging: Jewelcase
Notes: regular 9-track album cd.
Limited 2CD Deluxe Edition
Release Date: 2011.01.12 (Finland) / 2011.01.14 (Rest of Europe)
Label: earMUSIC / Edel Germany GmbH
Catalogue Number: 0206222ERE
Bar-Code: 4029759062226
Packaging: Digipack
Notes: regular 9-track album cd, plus a 9-track demo cd for the whole album.
Strictly Limited CD+7" Collector's Edition
Release Date: 2011.01.12 (Finland) / 2011.01.14 (Rest of Europe)
Label: earMUSIC / Edel Germany GmbH
Catalogue Number: 0206223ERE
Bar-Code: 4029759062233
Packaging: 7" Cardboard
Notes: regular 9-track album cd, plus 9 demo tracks of the whole album as mp3 files (I'm not sure!), and a 7" vinyl disc which contains 2 b-sides tracks, "Last Shore" and "Hallowed".
12" Vinyl
Release Date: 2011.01.12 (Finland) / 2011.01.14 (Rest of Europe)
Label: earMUSIC / Edel Germany GmbH
Catalogue Number: 0206221ERE
Bar-Code: 4029759062219
Packaging: 12" Cardboard
Notes: 6 tracks on side A and 3 tracks on side B.
Japan Edition
Release Date: 2011.01.12 (Japan)
Label: Victor Entertainment
Catalogue Number: VICP-64916
Bar-Code: 4988002605217
Packaging: Digipack
Notes: contains "Castaway" as exclusive bonus track, as well as 3 bonus tracks from Darkest Hours single, "Darkest Hours (Demo)", "Against The Wind (Live)" and "Black Diamond (Live)".
US Edition
Release Date: 2011.01.18 (USA & Canada)
Label: Armoury Records / Eagle Rock Entertainment
Catalogue Number: ARM 25053-2
Bar-Code: 826992505329
Packaging: Jewelcase
Notes: 9 tracks, same with normal edition.
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Thanks mate. So many editions!!
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Haven't heard anything negative from Tolkki yet so the album is really that good. :lol
If i recall he stated the following about polaris: ''It's a band trying to sound like Stratovarius, nothing more''
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I for one am impressed with Tolkki keeping his mouth shut over the last couple of years. I think we would have all expected him to slag the band off, but props to him for letting them carry on.
Oh, and I just ordered the Japanese edition!! :metal
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Haven't heard anything negative from Tolkki yet so the album is really that good. :lol
If i recall he stated the following about polaris: ''It's a band trying to sound like Stratovarius, nothing more''
Yes, that was his review more or less and some badmouthing in RR forum ;D
I for one am impressed with Tolkki keeping his mouth shut over the last couple of years. I think we would have all expected him to slag the band off, but props to him for letting them carry on.
Oh, and I just ordered the Japanese edition!! :metal
Well, that's mainly because he have Symfonia band and can have his mind "busy" with another things...
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Didn't Tolkki say he met Timo K and Matias accidentally and wished them luck? So I guess we don't have to expect badmouthing from him anymore! :lol
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Didn't Tolkki say he met Timo K and Matias accidentally and wished them luck? So I guess we don't have to expect badmouthing from him anymore! :lol
He met TK in Finland Airport and had a little talk. About the good luck, it was in Stratovarius forum...but this is the same all the time, today good luck, tomorrow fuck you. Let's hope this time is true.
Update about TK's voice infection:
Hi everyone,
Due to a recent bacterial infection my voice isn't what it should be. The infection dried out my vocal chords, and I'm still struggling to recover. Although canceling the tour was discussed, we decided to not let you down but to play for all of you great people out there who have been with you through thick and thin and continue to support Stratovarius no matter what. I want to thank all of you who have sung with me on the gigs, you guys keep me going on! I'll keep you posted about my condition and everything directly related to me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/officialkotipelto">my facebook page</a>. I hope you've enjoyed the shows as much as we have and like our new album, Elysium. See you at the gig!
Rock the Metal!
Timo
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Well, as you may know Kotipelto had problem with a food poisoning and couldn't sing very well and still having problems...ok, now Deris have somekind of problems too.
Andi Deris from Helloween has some medical problems and the next weeks' shows in Germany have been cancelled. That means: Saarbrücken, Bonn, Hannover, Oberhausen, and Osnabrück were cancelled. Sorry!
Deutschland-Konzerte bis 06.02.11 abgesagt (Update)
Aufgrund einer Stimmbandentzündung von Helloween Sänger Andi, müssen wir folgende Konzerte
01. Feb D - Saarbrücken
02. Feb D - Bonn
04. Feb D - Hannover
05. Feb D - Oberhausen
06. Feb D - Osnabrück
schweren Herzens absagen! Bei der gestrigen Show im Z7 konnte sich Andi vor ausverkauftem Haus noch durchkämpfen aber um evtl Schäden an der Stimme zu vermeiden, wurde vom Arzt eine Zwangspause verordnet.
Es tut uns sehr leid und wir hoffen auf euer Verständnis - die Tickets behalten ihre Gültigkeit - einen Nachholtermin werden wir schnellstmöglich mitteilen.
Helloween
>:( >:( >:(
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Shit!!
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This tour is cursed. :(
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Yeah, but Andi Deris has trouble on every single tour. He's still an incredible singer...
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I like this album but think Polaris is way better. Still 100x better then anything Infinite - Self Titled.
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I like this album but think Polaris is way better. Still 100x better then anything Infinite - Self Titled.
Elements Pt 1 is my fav Strato album.
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Well, as you may know Kotipelto had problem with a food poisoning and couldn't sing very well and still having problems...ok, now Deris have somekind of problems too.
Oh no, this sounds too familiar! :eek
This tour is cursed. :(
Yeah, it really seems to be!
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Elements Pt 1 is my fav Strato album.
Whoa, really? I find that album painful for listening, excluding Stratofortress and Eagleheart. It tries way too hard to be epic, and it fails in my opinion.
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Elements Pt 1 is my fav Strato album.
Whoa, really? I find that album painful for listening, excluding Stratofortress and Eagleheart. It tries way too hard to be epic, and it fails in my opinion.
Yeah, it just clicked with me, I love it. I understand what you mean, but I love it. Pt 2 on the other hand is a different story.
Eagleheart, Vagabond, Find Your Own Voice, Learning to Fly, Elements, Stratofortress, just amazing. The bonus cut, Run Away is awesome too.
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Kotipelto sings way too high on some songs from pt.1 but it's a great album.
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Kotipelto sings way too high on some songs from pt.1 but it's a great album.
His vocals on Find Your Own Voice are insanely high. One thing I didn't like with a lot of Strato stuff, especially this song was the copy and paste vocals in the chorus, Tolkki seemed to do that a lot.
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Yeah, it just clicked with me, I love it. I understand what you mean, but I love it. Pt 2 on the other hand is a different story.
Part two isn't a great album, but I like it better than part one. It's slightly more down to earth and accessible. I walk to my own song, Dreamweaver, I'm still alive, Know the difference... Some kick ass tracks in there. :metal
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I agree with wolfking, Elements Pt. 1 is great but Pt. 2 isn't anything special. I find it quite ironic that Tolkki thinks E1 was Stratovarius' peak but Kotipelto doesn't really care for the Elements albums. Maybe it's because of the overhigh notes he had to hit on E1!
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I'm not really up on my Stratovarius, but the new album is definately worth picking up.
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Elements albums are not my fav but songs like Eagleheart or I walk to my own song are amazing to me. Anyway, it's insanely high while singing. TT said he wanted to "test" TK's vocals. There's one live version of Find your own voice that you can literally feel the pain while listening :biggrin:
And about the "peak", he always said that but I think he doesn't feel really feel it. He knows that Episode was his best creation and for that reaseon he says that in Symfonia album he wants to recall that sound again, but I suppose he forget that he have not the same musicians anymore and it's quite complicated to get. We'll see.
I really thinkg Polaris is way worst than Elysium, but of course this is all about taste.
DTVT, of course is worth buying this album! Is a really good step for the band.
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My previous post was not a question, but a statement. :tup
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My previous post was not a question, but a statement. :tup
:metal :metal :smiley:
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AWESOME GALLERY!! https://www.concerts-live.ch/2011/stratovarius/index.html
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Just received the Japanese edition in the mail, lovely packaging. I've listened to the album once so far, and to be honest, it's a lot to take in, I don't remember much, but I see most of the songs having potential. The thing I am most happy with is there is more power metal style speedy songs this time, yet with touches of progressive elements. And slower ones like Fairness Justified is awesome. Look forward to discovering it more.
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Just received the Japanese edition in the mail, lovely packaging. I've listened to the album once so far, and to be honest, it's a lot to take in, I don't remember much, but I see most of the songs having potential. The thing I am most happy with is there is more power metal style speedy songs this time, yet with touches of progressive elements. And slower ones like Fairness Justified is awesome. Look forward to discovering it more.
You'll need more listens to get in. You'll see, it's the kind of album that you need to listen more and more and then you can't stop. It's really well balanced. And if you add to you ipod Last Shore and Hallowed you have more to listen.
There are tons of intervies about Strato these months, but here I post and excerpt from one in German because it says some important things (thanks to mocobhc from Stratovarius forum for the translation):
About the writing processes for Elysium and Polaris:
Polaris needed a lot of effort from the whole band, especially Lauri put a lot of work into it, Matias did concentrate more on the playing aspects. Now with Elysium, Matias gained more self confidence, had more than enough stuff to fill a whole album on his own. He evolved into the new musical director and they decided to let him produce the album after they heard his demos were great quality. All in all, in earlier days the potential of the other band members was rather ignored, nowadays everyone contributes a lot to the whole process. The process of getting done a song could now be compared to a christmas tree: One guy provides the tree, and the whole family decorates it. In comparison to earlier albums, they did meet more often to record and evolve their ideas and the album.
About the band nowadays:
He thinks they lost a big amount of credibility when the fans had to read everyday what TT made up in his mind, so that finally one had to think to oneself "that band has turned into a mere joke now". They all try to leave the past behind and want to convince people with their new music.
About the tour with Helloween:
They're glad to be able to play for a bigger audience in this package and want to show and convince people that the band is functioning again.
About Elysium:
Record label asked them if they'd cut the song Elysium into three parts cause they could make more out of selling it in pieces via itunes, but they refused.
He thinks they didn't have enough time to polish the lyrics for the album together with Timo (not the content/themes, but some of the word choice and "sound" of the passages).
They think of making a video for Under Flaming Skies, which will be released as a single in Finland Smile
Btw The Game Never Ends is his favourite song of the album.
About a DVD:
They partly record stuff of the current tours, but nothing professional. They don't want to publish the older stuff with the old lineup anymore - only thing he could think of would be some kind of "limited treasure chest" for die hard fans. But they rather want to concentrate on enough new stuff to release a professional DVD in the next years.
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After listening through Elysium a couple of times, I can confirm that this is an amazing album, lightyears ahead of Polaris. Matias has simply done wonders for these guys, they can confidentely move forward out of the shadows of Tolkki. I really don't think anyone should be feeling disappointed that Tolkki isn't in the band anymore, Matias is a monster player and this album is fresh and fantastic.
Raziel, you are right, this album is definitely a grower, each song opens itself more and more on each listen. The title track is simply one of the greatest things they have ever done, it has all the classic Strato epic elements and more, great melodies. One thing I was impressed with was the quality of the solos on this record, Matias and Jens are on fire the whole way through.
Also, Castaway is a worthy edition to the album, even though the intro is almost identical to Black Diamond, but we will forgive Lauri for that since he also is a crucial part to this lineup. :tup
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I went out and bought the digipack aswell, it's pretty cool.
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The title track is easily one of the greatest things they have ever done!
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It works really well as a full track, thank god they didn't split it up like they were asked to. It moves so smoothly and doesn't drag on.
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(https://forum.stratovarius.com/userpix/6736_181992_167532346628301_146334312081438_348661_312844_n_1.jpg)
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:omg: I...I..Uh....
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Great pic! :) BTW, I watched recent live videos and it looks like they've downtuned the songs to D (previously it was Eb) at shows because of Timo's illness, but he's still struggling with the high notes.
EDIT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED9Nhgg9pSU Move the Mountain live!
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Epic pic, great stuff.
Let's face it, Timo has always struggled live. There's some pro shot footage around of a concert he did under his solo band when Coldness come out. Watching Timo sing was just embarrasing.
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Definitely.... and even feeling bad for other songs, my fav song of the album is Elysium. I think it contains absolutely all the necessary for me in a song to be in my "personal elysium". And the last solo for me is one of the best things happening in my life while listening to music.
Many thanks for this album, seriously, many thanks.
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Well now its been a month or so I want to know if this album is still worth picking up?
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Well now its been a month or so I want to know if this album is still worth picking up?
Read the last couple of pages of this thread ans you will get an overwhelming answer.
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It's seriously the Best Strato since Infinite.
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Just listened to the new album. It's pretty average Stratovarius for me up until the last two or three songs, then WOW, so good. The title track in particular blew me away.
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Just listened to the new album. It's pretty average Stratovarius for me up until the last two or three songs, then WOW, so good. The title track in particular blew me away.
Listen to it a few more times and give it time, it grows into a monster.
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I've been reading the thread, I just wanted to know if it continued to live up to its initial hype :D
Thanks.
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I've been reading the thread, I just wanted to know if it continued to live up to its initial hype :D
Thanks.
It continues in me and I would say I like even more. I have not been listening to an album that much since I heard Episode or Visions.
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I've been reading the thread, I just wanted to know if it continued to live up to its initial hype :D
Thanks.
Definitely. It's worth every bit of your cash. It sounds so fresh every time I play it.
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I'm playing it right now. It's been a month and the album still sounds incredible to me. I think I've played at least one song every single day, especially on my way to uni and back.
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A nice interview with Lauri: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqOqKsl5fEE
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Awesome, I will have to purchase it soon. Is it a good album to start getting into Stratovarius with? I'm already fairly familiar with their sound (or at least their classic sound), but I don't own any of their albums.
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Awesome, I will have to purchase it soon. Is it a good album to start getting into Stratovarius with? I'm already fairly familiar with their sound (or at least their classic sound), but I don't own any of their albums.
The only disadvantage you have is you may haven't been through the Strato rollercoaster over the years and therefore haven't seen what the guys have been through to get to this incredible point in thier career with this album, I think their journey makes a lot of us appriciate this album even more. For a band to come out with this product is nothing short of amazing!
But saying that, if you like this kind of metal, you won't be disappointed with Elysium. Also pick up, Infinite, Visions and even Elements Pt1 and Twilight Time.
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Ok, I sure will. Which one/s would you recommend picking up first? I'll head out on saturday to get some :)
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Get Visions and Episode IMO, after that Destiny and Infinite. They're the ''staple'' albums of this band.
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Ok, will do :D
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I agree with Kosmo, Episode and Visions are the most important albums in Stratovarius' career (even though I don't really care for Visions).
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I listened to a couple of songs from the album tonight, it was cool but I dunno if it was enough to convince me to check out more.
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I listened to a couple of songs from the album tonight, it was cool but I dunno if it was enough to convince me to check out more.
Which songs?
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:D :D did you listen two songs and don't want to hear more? ;D ;D ;D That's really strange. I mean, I always listen to the whole songs to have an idea.
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This must be the worst performance from TK I've ever heard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIbtRVcLIbQ :|
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Those times were not easy for anyone in the band, i guess that doesn't justify bad singing but i'm sure they're all stressed as hell there. The band was at a breaking point, if i remember that's the last show where Tolkki played with them?
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Those times were not easy for anyone in the band, i guess that doesn't justify bad singing but i'm sure they're all stressed as hell there. The band was at a breaking point, if i remember that's the last show where Tolkki played with them?
yeah, I'm pretty sure you are right. I think that's the show where they debuted Last Night On Earth which was suppose to be the lead track off the new album. Instead it went on to the Revolution Renaissance debut with Kiske.
There's videos of the Coldness tour on youtube too which are just as bad, actually probably much worse.
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Well, people the problem with Stratovarius songs is that they are always maybe one of the most difficult to sing live and that high notes are impossible. TK have amazing performances, search for Raunmanmari in youtube (in my youtube account I have the full concert): https://www.youtube.com/user/SRRazielSR#p/u
If you just post moments when it was all a disaster in the band, is normal. There are tons of videos when you understand that just TK is capable to sing that kind os songs.
Of course, he has lost a lot of range these past years (this has been discussed in the official forums 100000 times), but in studio he sounds perfect. In this tour he has been infected with a bacteria, a food poisoning.... and he stills not singing like he used to, but take a look at this little video of Infernal Maze, I think is great: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rN1ZtaBcX80 He is feeling a lot better step by step.
And the band is now instrumentally fantastic live, sounds amazing live.
And the last concertwith TT was in Madrid, I made a topic about it in Stratoforum: https://forum.stratovarius.com/viewtopic.php?t=8945&highlight=last+concert . ;D Now I remember that Jens talked about it in the topic.
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interview with Jens:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcHFb3VaEYQ&feature=player_embedded
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6nrr1SmiH4&feature=player_embedded
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I just found the medley they played at shows in 2003 on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S17ynH199Vc Kotipelto sounds pretty good singing those oldies! There are some Fourth Dimension era bootleg videos worth checking out too.
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Jorg Michael is such a solid drummer imo.
ugh ive been in such a stratovarius mood. its soooooooo good :metal
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https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150216624991760&oid=20648796656&comments
https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150556400800018&oid=20648796656&comments
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https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150223487691760&oid=20648796656&comments
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From Tolkki's facebook:
I have nice news for you. We are planning to celebrate the 30 year existence of Stratovarius with the Original Dreamspace line up releasing an album in January 2012.
Classical Variations VOL 1 will be rereleased as remastered version with new album VOL 2 with bonus DVD including interviews. I will play guitar,bass and sing. Drummer will be John Macaluso. Release will be mid September.
Symfonia will be active later this year with gigs around Sonisphere France. Hope you like the news. Happy Easter -Timo
Dreamspace 2..Fuck yes!!!
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Cool, but the Dreamspace lineup was suppose to happen a long time ago. I won't hold my breath until it happens.
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I'm trying to get into Strato but they don't have any of their CD's at the CD shop that I go to. Only elysium and it costs like $25 so I just end up getting something else :p Plus I want to get some of their older stuff first. Does anyone know some good, safe, cheap websites where I can order them online to Australia (Wolfking?? :p )?
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So Return to Dreamspace is finally happening? :metal I was thinking it would never happen, since there were no news about it. Dreamspace is one of my favorite Strato albums, so I will definitely buy that one when it comes out! BTW, there is a thread about Stratovarius already.
I'm trying to get into Strato but they don't have any of their CD's at the CD shop that I go to. Only elysium and it costs like $25 so I just end up getting something else :p Plus I want to get some of their older stuff first. Does anyone know some good, safe, cheap sites where I can order them online to Australia (Wolfking?? :p )?
I don't know about shops, but if you want album recommendations, get Episode and Visions first, then Infinite.
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Ok, thanks for the recommendations!
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Destiny is also a very safe choice for a Strato-virgin, in my top 3.
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Destiny is also a very safe choice for a Strato-virgin, in my top 3.
Ok thanks, I guess I'll start with Episode->Visions->Infinity->Destiny :)
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That's a great album run.
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I'm trying to get into Strato but they don't have any of their CD's at the CD shop that I go to. Only elysium and it costs like $25 so I just end up getting something else :p Plus I want to get some of their older stuff first. Does anyone know some good, safe, cheap websites where I can order them online to Australia (Wolfking?? :p )?
https://www.cdwow.com.au/search?q=stratovarius&t=all
CDWOW. Reliable, free shipping and cheap as hell. It's the real deal, I have used it for at least the last 12 months. Sometimes shipping can be a little slow, but for the cost it's always been worth it for me. I have purchased at least 100 cd's off these guys over the last 12 months.
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I'm trying to get into Strato but they don't have any of their CD's at the CD shop that I go to. Only elysium and it costs like $25 so I just end up getting something else :p Plus I want to get some of their older stuff first. Does anyone know some good, safe, cheap websites where I can order them online to Australia (Wolfking?? :p )?
https://www.cdwow.com.au/search?q=stratovarius&t=all
CDWOW. Reliable, free shipping and cheap as hell. It's the real deal, I have used it for at least the last 12 months. Sometimes shipping can be a little slow, but for the cost it's always been worth it for me. I have purchased at least 100 cd's off these guys over the last 12 months.
Thanks a lot man! This will really help a lot :D I don't mind about the slow shipping. Awesome, its good to get a recommendation to know if a site is safe/reliable. Thanks again! :)
edit: Wow, these are cheap!
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Yeah, and all items are 100% legit. Underrated site, with lots of titles.
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yeah EPISODE and VISIONS are masterpieces :metal
this is the albums that i got into Stratovarius ;D and about that Dreamspace thing i'm really looking forward to it Tolkki is one of my favorite guitar player so i guess i won't be disappointed also should i listen to his "Symfonia" project (if anyone heard of this?)...
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Stratovarius is in my top 5 favorite bands. i absolutly love them. i saw them in 2005 i think at BBkings in NYC. the show was absolutly amazing, they were soo good.
i loveeee kotipeltos voice so much :metal
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I saw them in 2006. They put a really fun show, one of the concerts I've enjoyed the most.
Nowadays I rarely listen to them, but I was a big fan when I was starting to get into metal.
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:D
I didn't know about this topic. Well if you see the Elysium one you'll see there are some fans around here!
Some great videos from these days in SA tour:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ufd8fhBUBCc&feature=player_embedded
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wl3o3v35oLE&feature=player_embedded
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtUWjyC0lLI&feature=player_embedded
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwGTqVk40gE&feature=player_embedded#at=165
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9k-bzbqrtU&feature=player_embedded#at=199
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Jörg leaves Stratovarius! (https://www.imperiumi.net/index.php?act=news&id=15454)
The link is in Finnish but it says that Jörg has decided to leave Stratovarius for personal reasons and he will play his last gigs with Stratovarius in November in Finland (none of those is unfortunately in my home town!). However, he will stay in their booking agency. I had been wondering about the lack of news and tour dates, and maybe this was the reason for silence... :sad: Well, he's quite old and the cancer must have been a tough experience. There's no info about a replacement drummer, but my guess is that Alex Landenburg will join the band. BTW, there's a new video for Under Flaming Skies!
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Yes, I have seen this in Stratovarius forum:
Stratovarius say farewell to drummer Jörg Michael
Jörg Michael who last year was treated for thyroid cancer has decided to leave Stratovarius for personal reasons.
Stratovarius who have sold over 2.5 million records worldwide will say farewell to their drummer on the upcoming Finnish tour Nov. 18 - 26 2011. The tour is called "Jörg Farewell Tour"
Jörg Michael from Germany joined the band in 1995 and his first Stratovarius-album was Episode in 1996. He has played in the band over 15 years on nine CDs and on more than a thousand gigs.
- We can't but accept Jörg's decicion which from our view is unfortunate, and wish him all the best in the future. I can assure that the band will keep moving on says Timo Kotipelto, the singer of the band.
Jörg Michael will remain in the band's organization where he will keep working in Twisted Talent agency like he has done for years besides his job as a drummer.
Currently the band is touring in Russia with Helloween. They will play in Moscow and in St Peterburg in this weekend
Let's see who will be the replacement drummer. Alex is in Symfonia now, so I don't know...
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I really don't see Symfonia lasting too long, he's be mad not to join Strato. I hope Jorg is still doing well, since we don't really know the exact reasons for his leaving.
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I really don't see Symfonia lasting too long, he's be mad not to join Strato. I hope Jorg is still doing well, since we don't really know the exact reasons for his leaving.
Well, they are gonna release another album; release date march 2012. They start preproduction next moth. The band is doing really well, seriously. But I don't now if Alex is in the band to stay or not.
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Jörgi left?!
Although it makes me sad it makes sense, he has served the band more than well over the years. :metal
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Alex is in Symfonia? I thought he was just a temporary solution... Well, I still believe Strato will get some young talent to drum for them. Of course Jörg never wrote songs, but it's sad how only 2 guys (Timo and Jens) are left from the classic line-up. :-\
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I really don't see Symfonia lasting too long, he's be mad not to join Strato. I hope Jorg is still doing well, since we don't really know the exact reasons for his leaving.
Well, they are gonna release another album; release date march 2012. They start preproduction next moth. The band is doing really well, seriously. But I don't now if Alex is in the band to stay or not.
Fair enough, I didn't know that, I hope the next cd is better than the first, because seriously I didn't like that at all.
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Tolkki (I think it's a legit account) posted a few days ago on a Finnish metal forum that he'd been drinking coffee with Tuomo Lassila and Antti Ikonen and discussing the direction of the "Return to Dreamspace" album with them. He also mentioned that Waltari (a fellow Finnish metal/crossover band) will play a 25th anniversary show in November and their singer Kärtsy asked him if Project Strato could play at that show and he said yes. BUT I won't be holding my breath, he's been talking about this for 3 years already! :lol If they really make that appearance, I guess then this can be taken more seriously. However, I remember he said in '08/09 that they won't do any live shows, but looks like he had a change of heart. Here's the link, other Finns can confirm this: https://lauta.imperiumi.net/viewtopic.php?p=830817#p830817
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Stratovarius has to be the only band where not a single member from their first album is on their most recent album :lol
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/timeline/d8c5decb550f2dea6f79d2b0ed8124a2.png)
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Actually In Flames has no members left from the line-up that played on their debut. But for Stratovarius this is more notable as the most long-time current member joined after the band had been around for 10 years and released 3 albums! :lol
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Kotipelto was interviewed by Finnish metal magazine Inferno (link: https://www.inferno.fi/haastis-stratovarius-hyvastelee-jorg-michaelin-6087/ ) and he mentioned the other guys weren't surprised by Jörg's decision, but are grateful that he managed to tour with them, despite the cancer. He also said they'll play some never-before played songs at the last gigs with Jörg! Good to hear they're shaking up things, I haven't been to any of their shows before, but I'm QUITE sure most fans are tired of hearing the same songs everytime.
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Good to see the split is as happy a situation as it can be.
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Good to see the split is as happy a situation as it can be.
Yep, It's nice to know that he'll still be involved with the band.
Also, I've got a new found respect for the Elements albums. Well I've liked the second one for a long time but I never really liked the first one until recently.
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Also, I've got a new found respect for the Elements albums. Well I've liked the second one for a long time but I never really liked the first one until recently.
For me it was the other way round: I liked Part 1 after a couple of listens already, but Part 2 took much time to grow on me. It's still among my least fave Strato albums but I really like some songs, especially Alpha & Omega, I'm Still Alive and Awaken the Giant.
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Part 1 is their best album IMO, Part 2, not so much.
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Timo Tolkki has said his family listened to a lot of Finnish "iskelmä" music and he has subconsciously added some of those melodies into some Stratosongs - I think the following melodies may sound quite familiar to Strato-fans:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NLDUnSrzqU 0.48 and Forever
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1a-ICAE5HLE intro and Black Diamond
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URzTW2iNcWM 0.05 and Eagleheart
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Stratovarius filmed a live DVD in Finland last Saturday and this is the setlist. (https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/stratovarius/2011/pakkahuone-tampere-finland-2bd1e432.html)
I like the addition of IWTMOS and Coming Home, but seriously: 3 cover songs? I'd be satisfied if they had played the title-track of Elysium instead of those. Besides, Kiss of Judas and Paradise could've been replaced with 1 song off Fourth Dimension and Destiny and another Infinite song would've been nice too.
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Meh setlist. Behind Blue Eyes, seriously? Tolkki should never sing any songs besides his own as he always sounds terrible on covers IMO.
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Meh setlist. Behind Blue Eyes, seriously? Tolkki should never sing any songs besides his own as he always sounds terrible on covers IMO.
Tolkki hasn't been in the band since 2008 and hasn't sung on a Strato album since 1994. :biggrin:
I think you mean Kotipelto, in which case I agree.
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Whoops, don't know how I made that mistake. :lol yeah, I meant Kotipelto.
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It's a pretty cool list, despite three covers. :smiley:
I wanted them to play Elysium for their live DVD, but I guess that wasn't a realistic wish. :biggrin:
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This is an intereesting interview people ( Jörg & Timo 19.11.2011 ): https://youtu.be/H-4paR3wIzU
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Matias changed the solo in Distant Skies (sounds familiar?): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkeWrm1T0Qg#t=2m28s
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I think that I've heard that somewhere. :justjen
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Matias changed the solo in Distant Skies (sounds familiar?): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkeWrm1T0Qg#t=2m28s
Ahhh!! Elysium! :lol
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:( its a very sad day in Stratovarius land. Mr. Jörg Michael, the Drummer for Stratovarius for the last 17 years, has left the band... imo the best drummer in the genre. They left on good terms, and the band has known about his departure for the last few months. im curious to see where they go from here. they have shows booked so im curious on how the process will go. the last 2 members replaced, fit very well so im sure this wont be any different.
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Jorg was great, but i'm sure they'll fine someone more than capable to replace him.
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Im sure they will too, Just Jorg was a pretty creative drummer for what they played. he had a lot of cool patterns and his speed and endurance were out of this world. playing a song like "Find Your Own Voice" at album tempo doesnt look like an easy task.
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Jörg is a very good drummer but not irreplacable - the change won't be as big as when Tolkki was replaced by Matias.
Oh, and a clip that was noticed even in the Finnish media: Stratosphere played by an 8-year-old girl (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJmCKY1SR-E)
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its actually funny, ive seen that clip circling through Facebook a lot. and actually like none of them know who Stratovarius is. theyre all "OMG THAT KID IS PLAYING FAST LOL." but Strat is pretty big
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Episode through Infinite is the golden age as far as I'm concerned. That was the soundtrack of my life in that period. Also the first band I heard who had really technically challenging parts and the wildest solos.
Then SFAM came out... ;)
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Stratovarius
Drummer wanted!
We have now played the final Latin America gigs with Jörg Michael, who is leaving the band after 16 years. 2011 started with the release of the "Elysium" album and was a long year with a long world tour together with Helloween. After some time off, we are now looking to the future, composing material for the next album, and we are also looking for the next drummer.
We have some great candidates already, but since we have a bit of time, we decided to also cast a wider net to see what comes up. So, if you have some touring and recording experience, are - more important - musical and hard hitting, and - most important - a nice dude, you might be the one we are looking for!
If you think this sounds like you, playing in a world famous metal band for a living sounds like something you'd enjoy, and if you want us to listen, please put on some headphones and record a video of yourself playing any of these three Stratovarius songs: Coming Home, Father Time or Deep Unknown. You can for instance upload them to youtube.
Send the video links and a short letter with your personal information to this email address: drummer@stratovarius.com
What do you have to lose? The world awaits you! Plus money, fame, great times, and all the beer you can drink.
With best regards,
Jens, Lauri, Matias and Timo
https://es-es.facebook.com/stratovarius
Some people sending videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADHFZ3VU6KQ&feature=player_embedded
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEL2zrixokE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADHFZ3VU6KQ&feature=related
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSg6egYdf9M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wSsauo4ndZs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGWJtiFzLWE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfx7XXYMl1U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJV2QQR8iSo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn8TyAthHQ0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScoEhgZ0ewk
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Stratovarius' new live album "Under Flaming Winter Skies - Live in Tampere" will be released on June 29, 2012 by earMUSIC / Edel Germany GmbH.
This live album will be released as at least three formats: 2CD-set, DVD and Blu-Ray Disc.
2CD-set
Label: earMUSIC / Edel Germany GmbH
Release Date: June 29, 2012
Catalogue Number: 0207551ERE
Bar-Code: 4029759075516
"Under Flaming Winter Skies - Live In Tampere" tracklist:
CD 1
01. "Under Flaming Skies"
02. "I Walk To My Own Song"
03. "Speed Of Light"
04. "Kiss Of Judas"
05. "Deep Unknown"
06. Guitar Solo
07. "Eagleheart"
08. "Paradise"
09. "Visions"
10. Bass Solo
11. "Coming Home"
CD 2
01. "Legions Of The Twilight"
02. "Darkest Hours"
03. "Burn"
04. "Behind Blue Eyes"
05. "Winter Skies"
06. Keyboard Solo
07. "Black Diamond"
08. "Father Time"
09. "Hunting High And Low"
Tracklist DVD / Blu-ray:
01. Intro
02. "Under Flaming Skies"
03. "I Walk To My Own Song"
04. "Speed Of Light"
05. "Kiss Of Judas"
06. "Deep Unknown"
07. Guitar Solo
08. "Eagleheart"
09. "Paradise"
10. "Visions"
11. Bass Solo
12. "Coming Home"
13. "Legions Of The Twillight"
14. "Darkest Hours"
15. Jörg Speech
16. "Burn"
17. "Behind Blue Eyes"
18. "Winter Skies"
19. Keyboard Solo
20. "Black Diamond"
21. "Father Time"
22. "Hunting High And Low"
Bonus:
Documentary: Rewinding from the past to 2012
5.1 mix of "Elysium" (taken from the album "Elysium") - only on Blu-Ray
(https://www.metalkaoz.com/images/stories/4_news/2012/stratovarius_2012.jpg)
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What's the band lineup for the live album?
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What's the band lineup for the live album?
The same since TT left: Matias, Kotipelto, Jens, Lauri and Jörg. This new live album and blu ray is about Jörg farewell.
They are looking for a new drummer and a new album will be out later this year or beginning of 2013.
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OK thanks.I actually don't have anything by them. What is their heaviest album?
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^ Probably the self-titled record but most fans and even the band members themselves agree that it's one of their weakest. Their first three albums are overall pretty dark-sounding and apart from the terrible debut (Fright Night) they're very good IMO, although many fans overlook them because of Timo Tolkki's vocals and the fact that none of the current members appear on those releases.
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Definitely buying this, can't wait.
Twlight Time I find pretty heavy too. Overlooked album, but really really good.
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Twlight Time I find pretty heavy too. Overlooked album, but really really good.
Ditto. Dreamspace rules too - speaking of it, Tolkki mentioned that if his solo album (https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/timotolkki) gets funded, then he'll also release Return to Dreamspace as a Pledgemusic project and there'll be some extras like old demos. Now that he's reached the 100% with the solo record, maybe RTD will finally come true! :metal
One thing I paid attention to in the DVD tracklisting was the way Legions was titled as Legions of the Twilight ??? I also see they didn't include the Queensryche song although they played it, copyright reasons perhaps?
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What QR song?
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Yes, seems the QR cover won't be in the dvd/blu due to copyright issues. Anyway, there are some videos in youtube about covers they made in this farewell tour:
Burn ( Deep Purple's Cover) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zkc-WORF7c (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zkc-WORF7c)
I Don't Believe In Love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONjVE13S7uc&feature=related (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONjVE13S7uc&feature=related)
About their "heavy" albums, maybe Twilight Time, Dreamspace and selftitled. But their best album without any question for me is Episode, it is one of my fav (if not the best) metal album for me ever created. then I would say 4th Dimension and Visions, then Elysium maybe.
If you want to check, I have almost all of their albums in my youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/SRRazielSR/videos?view=1
About Timo Tolkki, his pledge project is going really well. Classival Variations 2: Credo will contain Kiske, Jens Johansson, Sherinian, Lassila and others playing some songs. We'll see.
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Live DVD/Blu-Ray trailer. WOW CAN'T WAIT!!
https://youtu.be/7Boy9YhXB_8
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Dreamspace is by far the best record. It's the darkest, the heaviest and the all-around-awesomest record that they have ever done, with Shattered, Abyss, Tears of Ice and Eyes of the World being standout tracks, along with the title track (and Full Moon, the Japanese bonus track).
And holy fuck. I've been waiting for this live release for ages, ever since it was known that a live DVD would exist. That setlist is fucking killer.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6b_WoY9zaM&feature=channel&list=UL
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Commented STRATOVARIUS singer singer Timo Kotipelto: "Although the competition was fierce, Rolf was clearly the best one of the bunch. His precise playing, sureness and right attitude was there right away. He has an astonishing technique and to top that of he has a very musical way of playing, so he can bring something of his own into our old songs as well. Rolf has played a variety of different styles of metal, so fast tempos or more progressive parts will not be a problem. Whatever songs we might compose in the future — I have no doubt that he will be able to play them."
Added Rolf: "I had prepared for the audition thoroughly, learning all the songs we agreed on, with the live endings and everything. In addition to that, I had also learned some extra songs just to be safe. Playing with the guys was excellent, and already the next day after the audition I got to hear that I had been the best one of the drummers they had auditioned. What followed was yet another audition where we would play more casually and jam."
STRATOVARIUS received more than 100 applications, some of them very competent and high-caliber Finns, but also included were some foreign drummers who had already made a name for themselves.
(https://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/stratonewdrummer.jpg)
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...and the average age of Stratovarius members gets lower once again (Rolf is born in '87)! :lol I haven't heard Rolf's playing before but I'm interested to hear what he'll bring to Stratovarius.
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Yeah that was the first thing I noticed, he's the same age as Mattius I believe.
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Interesting choice. Not a shabby drummer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY6_SUqWDvI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY6_SUqWDvI)
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So im really confused on the dates of when the new dvd is released. amazon is saying like July 10th for the CD and august 28th for the dvd. but the site says like june 27th but also june 29th? Can anyone confirm when its out in the US?
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MSbcVzDs97w#!
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The first gig with the new drummer! Wow, this drummer is just amazing, is gonna put Stratovarius in another level for sure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4U_cP-34tQ
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Eternity is one of my favorite songs, good to see that they're playing it again! :tup Looking at the setlist, they've also dropped Speed of Light after all these years.
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Eternity is one of my favorite songs, good to see that they're playing it again! :tup Looking at the setlist, they've also dropped Speed of Light after all these years.
It is my favourite Stratovarius song with Speed of light. And yes, they never use to play Eternity, that is an awesome and fantastic song. That's when TT was really inspired and was just... like another person.
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Love Stratovarius. Saw them in 2006 in NYC with new bassist Lauri Porra, who happens to be one of my favorite bassists after hearing him with Warmen.
Visions and Episode are especially great albums. Polaris ranks among my favorite Strato albums, too. I still need to listen to Elysium.
Johansson's The Last Viking (with Jens Johansson, Anders Johansson, Goran Edman, and Michael Romeo) is easily up there with Visions, imo.
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Love Stratovarius. Saw them in 2006 in NYC with new bassist Lauri Porra, who happens to be one of my favorite bassists after hearing him with Warmen.
Visions and Episode are especially great albums. Polaris ranks among my favorite Strato albums, too. I still need to listen to Elysium.
Johansson's The Last Viking (with Jens Johansson, Anders Johansson, Goran Edman, and Michael Romeo) is easily up there with Visions, imo.
Do it. Especially the title track is fucking orgasmic, but the rest of the album ain't half bad either.
I have to, however, revoke the opinion that I mentioned at the top of this page: after listening to quite a bit of Stratovarius during the last month or so, Polaris has surpassed Dreamspace as my favourite. :metal
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Love Stratovarius. Saw them in 2006 in NYC with new bassist Lauri Porra, who happens to be one of my favorite bassists after hearing him with Warmen.
Visions and Episode are especially great albums. Polaris ranks among my favorite Strato albums, too. I still need to listen to Elysium.
Johansson's The Last Viking (with Jens Johansson, Anders Johansson, Goran Edman, and Michael Romeo) is easily up there with Visions, imo.
Do it. Especially the title track is fucking orgasmic, but the rest of the album ain't half bad either.
I have to, however, revoke the opinion that I mentioned at the top of this page: after listening to quite a bit of Stratovarius during the last month or so, Polaris has surpassed Dreamspace as my favourite. :metal
I will tonight. ;D
Have you heard Johansson's The Last Viking? If not, you might be quite amazed by it and think it's on par with the best Stratovarius albums. ;D
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I bought the BR of the Tampere show.
There are only 2 covers, Burn (one of my all time fave songs) and The Who cover.
The video is very well show, the HD is really clear and good lighting.
The audio is good too, both stereo and surround mixes are very good, with the bass really shining.
However Kotipleto does sound low in both mixes, dunno if he was sick or had an off night?
Extra's a history of the band and a nice interview with Jorg.
If your a Strato fan well worth buying.
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Matias changed the solo in Distant Skies (sounds familiar?): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkeWrm1T0Qg#t=2m28s
Nice! The Elysium solo fits there really well. :metal
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I bought the BR of the Tampere show.
There are only 2 covers, Burn (one of my all time fave songs) and The Who cover.
The video is very well show, the HD is really clear and good lighting.
The audio is good too, both stereo and surround mixes are very good, with the bass really shining.
However Kotipleto does sound low in both mixes, dunno if he was sick or had an off night?
Extra's a history of the band and a nice interview with Jorg.
If your a Strato fan well worth buying.
Still have to get this, but to be honest, Kotipelto has always been an awful live singer.
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Just checking in to say that Elysium is one of my favourite songs atm. :metal :metal
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The whole album is top 3 Strato IMO, and the title track is definitely one of their best efforts.
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Still have to get this, but to be honest, Kotipelto has always been an awful live singer.
He's kinda hit or miss I think. I've seen some great performances, some bad.
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The whole album is top 3 Strato IMO, and the title track is definitely one of their best efforts.
There are a few songs that I don't really care for which keep it from ascending past Polaris and Dreamspace as my favourite Stratovarius album (Fairness Justified and Move the Mountain), but it's a really great album. :metal
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Fairness is one of my favs. Just shows the strength of the songs I guess.
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Polaris is a really awesome album. I am so glad they made such a strong comeback after they parted with Tolkki.
As for Elysium, "The Game Never Ends"...that unison has to be damn near impossible. I can't even see Petrucci/Rudess pulling that one off smoothly.
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Still have to get this, but to be honest, Kotipelto has always been an awful live singer.
He's kinda hit or miss I think. I've seen some great performances, some bad.
Hit and miss is a more appropriate description for me.
I've seen Strato in the flesh a few times and he nailed it every time.
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NEW ALBUN SPRING 2013!! https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=6ESAqwcQIFU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrwNLMMeKzY
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I was hoping for a new Cain's Offering album, it's got Kotipelto's best singing for a long time on it.
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I was hoping for a new Cain's Offering album, it's got Kotipelto's best singing for a long time on it.
That is true. Anyway, I didn't like Cain's Offering album.
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i literally just picked up cain's offering and it was amazing. the only thing i didnt like were the vocal melodies. they felt forced.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kuQydwpPEEk#!
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I preordered that acoustic album, but I'm not expecting much from it. A new Cain's Offering would have been much better, I thought the album was excellent.
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New interview, they talk a little bit about the new album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oT9HptLrSM
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STRATOVARIUS RELEASE NEW STUDIO ALBUM "NEMESIS" AND EP "UNBREAKABLE"
We are proud and very happy to announce the release of “Nemesis” the new studio album by Stratovarius, to hit the stores as standard 11-track edition as well as 13 track special edition on February 22nd, 2013.
A taste of the new studio album can be enjoyed with the Limited Edition EP “Unbreakable”, released on January 25th, 2013.
Stratovarius are hailed as one of the most influential and successful Symphonic Metal bands in the world and they have managed to establish themselves as one of the metal scene’s heavy names. The new album “Nemesis” unites all the best traits of the band’s melodic, powerful, fresh and technically elaborated metal, all spiced up with an incredible sense for melody.
The album was produced and mixed by Matias Kupiainen and mastered by Mika Jussila from Finnvox studios, who has a long history with the band.
To shorten the waiting period for the album, January 25th, 2013 finds the release of the limited edition EP “Unbreakable”. It features five songs: the new album leading track “Unbreakable” and a selection of four songs from previous albums, remastered by Mika Jussila. Songs like “Falling Star” (taken from “Polaris”) and “Freedom” (taken from “Infinite”) show a different, catchy side of Stratovarius and guide the way to the new masterpiece “Nemesis”.
Matias Kupiainen about the new song: "’Unbreakable’ is a very important song to me and the lyrics have a lot of personal meaning. Sometimes you can snap out of your day to day fog and see what is important. And when you are in that special moment, when you have that special feeling, you are invincible, unbreakable; you should really stop and enjoy the feeling. Even, if the whole world falls apart tomorrow."
Timo Kotipelto adds: “This album has a darker and more modern sound. We, as a band, have gone through a lot and we have matured as songwriters. The making of this album was easier than before, because we could give it as much time as needed."
UNBREAKABLE TRACKLIST
01. Unbreakable (taken from the brand new studio album “Nemesis”)
02. Falling Star (taken from “Polaris”)
03. The Game Never Ends (taken from “Elysium”)
04. Freedom (taken from “Infinite”)
05. Why Are We Here (taken from “Intermission”)
Songs 2-5 remastered by Mika Jussila in 2012.
The band will perform the new songs live for the very first time headlining the Radio Rock Cruise in Finland from February 9th to February 10th , followed by their first club show in Helsinki on March 3rd., 2013. On March 20th, 2013 Stratovarius will kick-off for their Nordic Nexus Of Nemesis Tour 2013 with fellow Scandinavians Amaranthe, before they return to Finland mid April to play 5 more shows:
STRATOVARIUS LIVE 2013
09.02.-10.02.2013 (FI) Radio Rock Cruise (Headliner)
08.03.2013 (FI) HELSINKI / Tavasti *
NORDIC NEXUS OF NEMESIS TOUR Stratovarius & Amaranthe Double Headline Tour
20.03.2013 (D) MÜNCHEN / Backstage Halle
21.03.2013 (D) ERFURT / Stadtgarten
22.03.2013 (CZ) ZLIN / Masters of Rock Café
23.03.2013 (H) BUDAPEST / Club 202
24.03.2013 (SK) BRATISLAVA / Majestic Club
26.03.2013 (A) VIENNA / Szene
27.03.2013 (D) NÜRNBERG /Hirsch
28.03.2013 (D) BOCHUM / Matrix
29.03.2013 (D) HAMBURG / Grünspan
30.03.2013 (NL) UDEN / De Pul
31.03.2013 (F) PARIS / Cigale
02.04.2013 (F) STRASSBURG / La Laiterie
03.04.2013 (F) LYON / Le Kao
05.04.2013 (E) BARCELONA / Razzmatazz 2
06.04.2013 (E) MADRID / Arena
07.04.2013 (E) BILBAO / Rock Star
09.04.2013 (CH) PRATTELN / Z7
10.04.2013 (I) MILAN / Alcatrazz
11.04.2013 (D) LUDWIGSBURG / Rockfabrik
12.04.2013 (D) ASCHAFFENBURG / Colos-Saal
13.04.2013 (B) MONS / PPM Fest (Festival)
14.04.2013 (D) OSNABRÜCK / Rosenhof
16.04.2013 (DK) COPENHAGEN / Amager Bio
17.04.2013 (S) MALMÖ / KB
18.04.2013 (S) STOCKHOLM / Klubben
19.04.2013 (FI) LATHI / Finlandia-klubi*
20.04.2013 (FI) TAMPERE / Pakkahuone*
26.04.2013 (FI) MIKKELI / Vaakuna*
27.04.2013 (FI) JYVÄSKYLÄ, Lutakko*
30.04.2013 (FI) HELSINKI, Virgin Oil*
*Stratovarius only
www.stratovarius.com
www.youtube.com/earMUSICofficial
www.facebook.com/earMUSICofficial
www.twitter.com/earMUSICedel
https://www.ear-music.net/en/news/details/stratovarius-release-new-studio-album-nemesis-and-ep-unbreakable/
(https://i47.tinypic.com/ekfejs.jpg)
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Excited, though I don't like the cover and 'Nordic Nexus of Nemesis' sounds pretty lame as well.
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Strategically placed sword.
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Strategically placed sword.
Sounds like a Rhapsody album title.
I'll be sure to give this Stratovarius album a spin when it is out.
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I'm really looking forward to this, their last couple of albums were really good, especially Elysium. The artwork is meh, though.
EDIT: Just realized that's the EP cover. Hopefully the album cover is more awesome. :metal
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Looking forward to the album but I don't understand the concept of the EP. Four songs that have already been released and 2 songs that Tollki played on and one that he wrote?? I find this strange to say the least.
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Am I really the only one that thinks that album cover looks schweet? Sure, it's pretty cheesy, but more pleasing to the eye than lots of other covers.
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Looking forward to the album but I don't understand the concept of the EP. Four songs that have already been released and 2 songs that Tollki played on and one that he wrote?? I find this strange to say the least.
Yeah, the tracklisting is pretty random. I could understand if they released some of their hits on it, like Hunting High & Low and Black Diamond, to get some new/casual fans to buy it - like a cheap little "greatest hits" release. But now it only features songs that the dedicated fans have already and the casual fans don't recognize and 1 new song that will be released on the album anyway. I can't see this EP selling a lot! :lol
Anyway, the talk about a darker and more modern style sounds promising!
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Well, Stratovarius is one of my favourite bands so I'm really excited about all this, but honestly, the cover of that EP is just horrible! Using (almost) naked women is always cheap, this computer made woman looks really really ugly, an angel with a sword looks like a real power metal cliché... And well, the red scenery looks quite dull also. When I first saw this cover, I really thought it was some kind of a stupid joke. Unfortunately it wasn't. :-[ I'm hugely disappointed with this as I pretty much liked the covers in Darkest Hours and Elysium. But well, when talking about more essential things, I think that all sounds pretty promising. I actually think that their two latest albums were their best, so I find all the talk about more modern sound etc pretty intriguing. I'm also quite excited about the EP as I pretty much like all the four old songs on it, so I'm eager to hear what are the remastered versions going to sound like. And talking about the tour dates, I hope I would finally be able to see them live. :smiley:
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I really like the cover of Darkest Hours, I must say, but to each his own.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TIs3XyHDL-M/TPNRwZguj0I/AAAAAAAAA0o/ujtLWxg9rFg/s1600/Stratovarius%2B-%2BDarkest%2BHours.jpg)
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I'm also quite excited about the EP as I pretty much like all the four old songs on it, so I'm eager to hear what are the remastered versions going to sound like.
In all honesty, do these songs even need to be remasterd? IMO they don't.
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Good or bad album cover, not really an issue for me anyway. I'll probably just buy the mp3 from amazon anyway. Just looking forward to some new Stratovarius, I really liked their last release. Polaris was pretty good, too.
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I'm also quite excited about the EP as I pretty much like all the four old songs on it, so I'm eager to hear what are the remastered versions going to sound like.
In all honesty, do these songs even need to be remasterd? IMO they don't.
Yeah, they will only be slightly louder than the original versions.
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(https://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/69482_10151147289966657_108661974_n.jpg)
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Why is everyone but Jens and the new drummer looking at the photographer as if he were some sort of a homicidal maniac.
Oh, right, metal promo photos :D
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Jens looks really goofy. :lol
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;D
Jens is always goofy!
Rolf seems like a little child in that picture! :o :D
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How old is that drummer, he looks no more than 18.
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How old is that drummer, he looks no more than 18.
He is 24. but yes, in the picture seems younger
-> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSbcVzDs97w
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How old is that drummer, he looks no more than 18.
He is 24. but yes, in the picture seems younger
-> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSbcVzDs97w
25, actually. (https://www.metal-archives.com/artists/Rolf_Pilve/14784) But yeah, he looks pretty young!
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Jens looks really goofy. :lol
I once saw him play keyboards on Crazy Train with Nightwish.
Got nothing more to add, sorry.
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Jens is an absolute legend. The Live in Lenigrad concert with Yngwie Malmsteen is incredible.
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Bump, because today Move the Mountain, Lifetime in a Moment and Fairness Justified finally clicked for me. Elysium is now my favourite of theirs, so bring on the new CD. :metal :metal
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I think I could safely say that Elysium is top 3 Strato.
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Album cover;
(https://www.blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/stratovariusnemesis.jpg)
01. Abandon
02. Unbreakable
03. Stand My Ground
04. Halcyon Days
05. Fantasy
06. Out Of The Fog
07. Castles In The Air
08. Dragons
09. One Must Fall
10. If The Story Is Over
11. Nemesis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yotdnvXr08&feature=player_embedded
Sounds decent.
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Nice cover, haven't listened to the song yet.
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Nice cover, haven't listened to the song yet.
This.
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The new song (or the sample of it) sounds really good and interesting. Definitely what you'd expect from Stratovarius, but especially the keyboards sound cool and fresh. The cover of the album is quite cool also even though it still has that stupid angel... Looks a lot better than the cover of the single though. You shouldn't make any conclusions based on the song names, but I must say that some of those (Dragons... :D) sound like real power metal clichés. Nevertheless, looks like an album worth looking forward to. :tup
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The song titles and the artwork are pretty cheesy, but as long as the music is good, I'll be satisfied.
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ARTWORK AND TRACKLIST REVEALED
earMUSIC has set a February 22, 2013 release date for "Nemesis", the new studio album by Finnish/Swedish melodic metallers STRATOVARIUS. The CD will be made available as a standard 11-track edition as well as 13-track special edition. A taste of the new studio album can be enjoyed with the limited-edition EP "Unbreakable", released on January 25, 2013.
STRATOVARIUS are hailed as one of the most influential and successful symphonic metal bands in the world and they have managed to establish themselves as one of the metal scene's heavy names. The new album, "Nemesis", unites all the best traits of the band's melodic, powerful, fresh and technically elaborated metal, all spiced up with an incredible sense for melody.
The album was produced and mixed by Matias Kupiainen and mastered by Mika Jussila from Finnvox studios, who has a long history with the band.
"Nemesis" has a dark and more modern sound compared to the band's last album, "Elysium". It clearly shows how much the band has matured and grown as songwriters. At the same time, the band focused all their attention and work into creating and recording "Nemesis". Singer Timo Kotipelto spent three weeks recording the vocals in a cottage in the Finnish countryside.
States STRATOVARIUS guitarist Matias Kupiainen: "I have more or less lived in the studio for four months, obsessing over every detail. I feel very relieved that we are done and I am very happy with the material and the sound."
Kotipelto agrees: "Making the album this time was easier because we gave it as much time as it needed. We have worked our asses off to make this and we hope the fans will like it."
"Nemesis" has it all. From the typical melodic and powerful STRATOVARIUS sound in "Abandon", to the aggressive and energetic "Stand My Ground", the album represents the new style of the band mixed with good old melodic power metal.
STRATOVARIUS' musical approach is today wider and richer than ever. The song "Fantasy" sounds almost ABBA-esque with its catchy pop flavor, but it's powered by the famous STRATOVARIUS metal sound, louder than ever.
"Out Of The Fog" integrates some folk music elements, with lyrics telling the story of a young person forced to march blindly into battle.
The only ballad on the album, "If The Story Is Over", is a very emotional song with a grand arrangement that builds up to using the full band and ends with a small female choir.
The title track "Nemesis" is a typical STRATOVARIUS song, with echoes of medieval melodies with powerful double bass drumming and the catchy pop melodies from this side of the millennium.
Says Kotipelto: "The title track of the album; with its modern twist on the myth of Nemesis, it tells a story of a preacher who gives each one what they deserve, good or bad. The song has a very nice riff, cool melodies and a great good old STRATOVARIUS-style chorus."
All songs revolve around the leading track "Unbreakable", a very melodic cut with a soft piano intro in contrast to the heavy riffing that the album would display later on.
"Nemesis" track listing:
01. Abandon
02. Unbreakable
03. Stand My Ground
04. Halcyon Days
05. Fantasy
06. Out Of The Fog
07. Castles In The Air
08. Dragons
09. One Must Fall
10. If The Story Is Over
11. Nemesis
An audio sample of the song "Unbreakable" can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.
Commented guitarist Matias Kupiainen: "'Unbreakable' is a very important song to me and the lyrics have a lot of personal meaning. Sometimes you can snap out of your day to day fog and see what is important. And when you are in that special moment, when you have that special feeling, you are invincible, unbreakable; you should really stop and enjoy the feeling. Even, if the whole world falls apart tomorrow."
"Unbreakable" track listing:
01. Unbreakable (taken from the brand new studio album "Nemesis")
02. Falling Star (taken from "Polaris")
03. The Game Never Ends (taken from "Elysium")
04. Freedom (taken from "Infinite")
05. Why Are We Here (taken from "Intermission")
Songs 2-5 remastered by Mika Jussila in 2012
The band will perform the new songs live for the very first time headlining the Radio Rock Cruise in Finland from February 9 to February 10, followed by their first club show in Helsinki on March 3, 2013. On March 20, 2013 STRATOVARIUS will kick off for their Nordic Nexus Of Nemesis Tour 2013 with fellow Scandinavians AMARANTHE, before they return to Finland mid-April to play five more shows.
STRATOVARIUS in June announced the addition of drummer Rolf Pilve to the group's ranks.
(https://www.blabbermouth.net/soulflypremiere/stratovariusnemesis.jpg)
Sample from the song Unbreakable: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yotdnvXr08&feature=youtu.be
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The sample sounds good. I like the album artwork better than the EP one. :tup
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I've been a Strato fans for many years now, the recent live DVD/BR is pretty good too.
Have you guys checked out Cain's Offering?
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I was a big fan of Cain's Offering, really good album indeed.
I think the song titles are interesting and am curious on what direction they will take.
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Yeah, I loved Cain's Offering too. For some reason Gather the Faithful worked extremely well for me and I could say that I love every single track on it. The album is probably one of my most played ones and I still haven't grown bored to it. These days I don't listen to power metal as much as I used to do some time ago, but I could still say that I have enough experience of the genre to say that Gather the Faithful is one of the best (modern) power metal albums. The both Stratovarius albums made after Tolkki's departure are excellent, but in my opinion Gather the Faithful beats them easily. :azn:
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Well, if the whole album is as awesome as "Unbreakable", then this might be one of Strato's finest. Even more pumped now! :caffeine: :caffeine:
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Anyone get the Kotipelto & Liimatainen blackoustic album? I loveeeee kotipeltos voice <3
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Anyone get the Kotipelto & Liimatainen blackoustic album? I loveeeee kotipeltos voice <3
yeah, it was okay for an acoustic album. Didn't see much point of it, and I haven't listened to it again, but it was nice.
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The whole song Unbreakable now in youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGUbVuf7Vsc&feature=player_embedded#!
Jani Liimataiinen opinion about the album (from his blog):
The new Stratovarius album
At first I thought I wouldn't comment on this before it comes out, but as there is NO harm I can do by just commenting on it -especially considering what I have to say about it- and everyone probably knows that I've heard it already so I'll share some thoughts. What do I think about it:
I think it's the best album they've done since "Infinite", maybe even better than that. Hard to say really, but it is REALLY good. Someone asked about my favorite tracks from the album, I've had a chance to listen to it through a few times now and my favorite tracks -in no particular order- are "Nemesis", "If The Story Is Over" and "Halcyon Days".
Why am I writing this? No, I'm not bragging because I got to hear it before everyone else, it's because it really is a great album and I hope, no, I command you all to go and buy it when it comes out. Really, in my opinion, it is that good.
Now I'll get back to my drinking, it's great to have some time off
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The new Stratovarius album
At first I thought I wouldn't comment on this before it comes out, but as there is NO harm I can do by just commenting on it -especially considering what I have to say about it- and everyone probably knows that I've heard it already so I'll share some thoughts. What do I think about it:
I think it's the best album they've done since "Infinite", maybe even better than that. Hard to say really, but it is REALLY good. Someone asked about my favorite tracks from the album, I've had a chance to listen to it through a few times now and my favorite tracks -in no particular order- are "Nemesis", "If The Story Is Over" and "Halcyon Days".
Why am I writing this? No, I'm not bragging because I got to hear it before everyone else, it's because it really is a great album and I hope, no, I command you all to go and buy it when it comes out. Really, in my opinion, it is that good.
Now I'll get back to my drinking, it's great to have some time off
I love Jani's blog.
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Unbreakable sounds pretty good, I like those heavy riffs - Timo could improve his pronunciation, though! :lol. I wonder if they'll continue to play in drop C/standard D live to accomodate TK's voice, as this song is in drop C# like the Elysium stuff.
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This song is simply fucking incredible.
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Yes, it is an awesome song! They are evolving into something new, that's a progress we are hearing since Elysium, or maybe since Polaris.
And yes, TK is trying to sing more relaxed and not always high and high and high. It is better for him and for us I think.
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It's typical Strato first single release, commercial sounding very poppy and catchy.
The drums do sound a lot different to Jorg, as you might expect.
Kotipleto has been offered vocal coaching for many years to improve his accent and phrasing, but always refused.
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Eh, it doesn't bother me, to be honest. It would be really weird if he suddenly stopped singing the way he's been singing.
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New link with intro.
I have never had a problem with TK's accent, I always liked it, I'm glad he's sticking to his natural range more.
IMO, this song is simply one of the greatest things they have ever done, my excitement for this album has increased tenfold.
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Decided to play the 'Infinite',album haven't heard this one in a long time and it sounds bloody fantastic :metal
It brings back memories of my first trip to Helsinki, I ended up, through a friend at the albums release party and getting drunk...
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New interview, they talk a little bit about the new album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oT9HptLrSM
I actually love these guys haha. I'm pumped for the new album!
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I just listened to the samples of the remastered songs on the Unbreakable EP. Well, I'm certainly not going to buy it, especially as the cover art is that ugly. Really looking forward to the album though. :metal
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STRATOVARIUS VIDEO CONTEST & NEMESIS 2LP EDITION ANNOUNCED
After the success of "Polaris” and “Elysium” and the warm response to the CD/DVD/Blu-Ray “Live In Tampere” that witnessed one show of the band’s last world tour with friend and historical drummer Jörg Michael, Stratovarius are about to reinforce their position as one of the undisputed leading name of the prog-symphonic metal genre with an album that promise to be one of their best ever.
You can sense it in the air that their new CD “Nemesis” is going to be a milestone in their career, judging by the fantastic reaction to the few bits and beats that – as it happens today – have leaked in the world of bits and beats of internet.
...to the extent that the band entered the studio again, only a few weeks after having completed the album, to record an additional song they had been working on for a while.
The acoustic ballad “Old Man And The Sea” will be an extra track included in a 2.000 numbered limited edition vinyl of their new album.
With “Nemesis” two months from release, Stratovarius will soon shoot the first video clip from the album. The band is willing to involve their fans into the filming process. As singer Timo Kotipelto explains in the short clip here https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=cLma7556l3o .
Fans are invited to send a picture of their most precious Stratovarius fan item to: win_earmusic<at>edel.com.
T-Shirts, a signed concert poster, drawings, CDs official or… not, self-made shirts, flags or anything that they feel is rare or unique related to any phase or moment of the band’s long history. The possibilities are endless!
The band will select the most original and fun fan items to be featured in their new video. Deadline to send in photos is January 23rd.
All received items will be returned in mint condition.
For more information, please check the official earMUSIC facebook page: www.facebook.com/earMUSICofficial or https://bit.ly/stratovarius-video
Stratovarius will try to find the time to comment and share all the memories brought back by all pictures through the band and earMUSIC´s facebook page.
The most original objects will be featured in the video.
On top of the newly announced 2LP Edition, “Nemesis” will be released on February 22nd, 2013 via earMUSIC as a 11 tracks CD and as a Special Edition 13 tracks Hardcover CD.
www.stratovarius.com
www.ear-music.net
www.youtube.com/earMUSICofficial
www.facebook.com/earMUSICofficial
www.twitter.com/earMUSICedel
https://www.ear-music.net/en/news/ details/stratovarius-video-contest- nemesis-2lp-edition-announced/
https://www.facebook.com/ earmusicofficial? sk=app_110747535767843&app_data
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For northamericans or people living in USA, if you are interested:
Monday 21 January:
Stratovarius Listening Party
Idle Hands Bar in NYC, welcomes members of Stratovarius and fans to meet, talk and listen to the the bands brand new CD 'Nemesis'. The event is open to everyone and its free!
There will be $5 drink specials plus other giveaways from Eagle Rock Entertainment!
The 13 track album will be released on CD on February 26th
Stratovarius 'Nemesis' Meet & Greet Listening Party
Monday, January 21
7-9pm
Idle Hands Bar
25 Avenue B
b/w 2nd and 3rd streets, downstairs
www.idlehandsbar.com
Please note that unfortunately this is a 21+ event.
IDLE HANDS BAR
25 Avenue B, Nueva York 10009
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First review of the album...hey...seems this album is gonna be amazing!! https://theageofmetal.com/2013/01/stratovarius-nemesis-2013/
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CANT FUCKING WAIT
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Yup same really looking forward to this, I'm pre-ordering the Japanese release :D
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Yup same really looking forward to this, I'm pre-ordering the Japanese release :D
Has this got a bonus track?
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Yup same really looking forward to this, I'm pre-ordering the Japanese release :D
Has this got a bonus track?
10 - Fireborn (Special Edition Bonus Track)
11 - Hunter (Special Edition Bonus Track)
09 - Kill It With Fire (Japan Bonus Track)
The song out of the fog is written by Jani Liimatainen.
Here you can see/hear a review of Nemesis, (in italian). You can hear a bit of some songs. The guy says the album is awesome, and really surprising. ----------->> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYfq5a3X0Z0
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Another review (the best and most extended) : https://blackwindmetal.com/stratovarius-nemesis/
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Halcyon days-> https://www.bravewords.com/news/197077
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Can't wait to listen to this when I get home.
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1. Abandon 4:52
Music: Matias Kupiainen
Lyrics: Timo Kotipelto
2. Unbreakable 4:36
Music: Matias Kupiainen
Lyrics: Matias Kupiainen / Timo Kotipelto
3. Stand My Ground 4:14
Music: Matias Kupiainen
Lyrics: Matias Kupiainen / Timo Kotipelto
4. Halcyon Days 5:30
Music: Matias Kupiainen
Lyrics: Timo Kotipelto
5. Fantasy 4:14
Music: Lauri Porra
Lyrics: Lauri Porra
6. Out of the Fog 6:58
Music: Jani Liimatainen / Timo Kotipelto / Matias Kupiainen
Lyrics: Timo Kotipelto / Jani Liimatainen
7. Castles in the Air 6:02
Music: Jens Johansson
Lyrics: Jens Johansson
8. Dragons 4:04
Music: Jens Johansson
Lyrics: Jens Johansson
9. One Must Fall 4:28
Music: Matias Kupiainen
Lyrics: Timo Kotipelto
10. If the Story is Over 6:06
Music: Jani Liimatainen / Timo Kotipelto
Lyrics: Jani Liimatainen
11. Nemesis 6:33
Music: Matias Kupiainen
Lyrics: Timo Kotipelto
Total Length 55:32
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That song is pretty damn incredible. But another song without a solo and both songs were written by Mattius, interesting. Still it's mature, well written, catchy and well produced, this could be the album of the year.
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That song is pretty damn incredible. But another song without a solo and both songs were written by Mattius, interesting. Still it's mature, well written, catchy and well produced, this could be the album of the year.
As some review says, there are a lot of solos in other songs...
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Halcyon Days is poppier than I expected, those synths sound like they could be in some dance song (not that it's necessarily a bad thing, just an observation)! These 2 new songs also make me seriously think TK's pronunciation skills have actually regressed - I mean, he's always had an accent but it only seems to get more notable with age.
Also, Jani is a "ghost" member of Stratovarius now? Interesting...
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Another review
Picture this. A Finnish heavy metal band with stars in their eyes and fire in their hearts joined the metal scene in the eighties. Of course, they were constantly competing with the massive wave of fellow European bands with the same dream. Despite the saturated scene, the band managed to create solid material and get noticed by a few record companies, then began building a name for themselves. However, something unknown to the band at the time, was missing. When Timo Kotipelto joined the band in the early 90's, the planets must have aligned, and even the return of Jesus Christ himself wouldn't be as miraculous as this one particular moment in time. After many lineup changes, they finally found their sound and ran with it, creating the impressive, epic, and unforgettable sound that power metal fans all over the world now know as Stratovarius.
Releasing some of the strongest albums in power metal history such as Dreamspace, Visions, and Destiny, Nemesis is a step above nearly all of the previous releases, providing an extremely enjoyable listen from the beginning to end, without any stutter-steps in between. The excitement has been building for months now about the release of Nemesis in February, with an EP titled Unbreakable releasing beforehand at the end of January. As soon as it's available, getting your hands on Unbreakable is definitely advised to prepare you for the greatness that is Nemesis.
This is one of those releases that must be experienced to be believed. The album has countless moments that take one's breath away. The hooks, harmonized solos, and the epic choruses are some of the best that Stratovarius has ever come up with, and every song is full of catchy moments that really make the album stick with you. From the early moments of “Abandon” to the last seconds of the title track “Nemesis” the album is nearly too good to be true. This is easily the best music that Stratovarius has put out in years, and ranks near the top of their best albums of all time.
“Unbreakable” is no doubt a single-worthy song, with catchy keyboard and grooving guitar riffs throughout the verses. Jens Johansson is in the forefront musically, playing a lighthearted keyboard melody that you will likely be humming for days. Coupled with a crunchy guitar riff provided by Matias Kupiainen, this track has everything that a power metal fan could ask for. The moment the chorus kicks in, anyone sitting still in their seats can only be deaf, as that is the only excuse to not enjoy it. Kotipelto's voice is lightly coated with reverb, and bouncing around in his best vocal range, he brings new meaning to the title of the track, as this is a seriously solid metal song. With little time to recover from the awesome that is “Unbreakable”, “Stand My Ground” follows with an angry sounding Kotipelto that quickly breaks into an uplifting “No one can bring me down..” chorus, echoed by many layered voices sounding quite heavenly.
The album moves on to a heavier track, “Halcyon Days” complete with fast-paced drums, roaring bass, and great string work. Eerie instrument layering through the verse riffs open into a god-like vocal presence from Kotipelto in the chorus. The synth, vocal patterns, and drums in this song just scream at you to get up and dance. So at this point in any album, you would expect there to be a song that is “Meh...okay...” so you skip on for a better track... but not on this album. Each song shines bright on its own, yet they flow together wonderfully. “Fantasy” and “Out of the Fog” both boast strong choruses and the orchestration is nothing short of fantastic. Another noteworthy track is the album's ballad “If the Story is Over” written with help from Jani Liimitainen, who works with Kotipelto in Cain's Offering, and graced us with his presence in Sonata Arctica from 1999 through 2007. Clearly no stranger to powerful, emotional music, Jani's help is definitely felt in this track. The lyrics and vocal phrasing are nothing short of stunning, all the while, the song builds from a slow acoustic piece into a massive presence on the album that you will never forget.
The album has a lot of the traditional Stratovarius power metal edge, but they have managed to evolve and develop their sound to much more rounded, matured, and polished heavy metal. Listening to it from start to finish makes me feel invincible, like I can stand up to whatever foe that world can throw and me, and I will remain 'unbreakable'. This album hit the very depths of my core, my will, my heart, and my soul. It came around at the perfect moment in my life to where I feel like I am a better person just for hearing it. It's not too often that an album can bring a tear to the eyes of this metal heart, but this album has done just that. This is more than music, it's a masterpiece, and should go down in the book of heavy metal as one of the best albums of all time. I can only hope for any of you reading this, that you will feel the album in the same way as I have, because I will never be the same again.
Rating:10/10
https://www.metalwani.com/2013/01/review-stratovarius-nemesis.html
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Bloody hell. I don't think I've ever read a more positive review about anything ever.
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https://www.bravewords.com/news/197207
Guitarist TIMO TOLKKI, who officially left STRATOVARIUS in 2008 following four years of in-fighting and general chaos within the band's ranks, has checked in with some unexpected praise for his former bandmates:
"Just heard two new clips, 'Unbreakable' and 'Halcyon Days', from my ex-bandmates. I am actually floored. These are really cool songs. The production is fresh and modern. Way to go!"
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:omg: That's like... Roger Water's complimenting The Division Bell.
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If he's legit, that's cool, maybe he wants back into the band. ;D
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this past wednesday in spanish media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mnHpIGTpQI
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Good to see Jani Liimatainen using his vast talents. I wish he'd get together with Kotipelto for another Cain's Offering album.
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:omg: That's like... Roger Water's complimenting The Division Bell.
If he's legit, that's cool, maybe he wants back into the band. ;D
I remember that back in 2009 Tolkki said that Polaris sounds like a band trying too hard to be Stratovarius, although he loved Winter Skies.
Good to see Jani Liimatainen using his vast talents. I wish he'd get together with Kotipelto for another Cain's Offering album.
In a Finnish interview Jani said Cain's Offering might release something new, but he wants TK to be the singer again so it can only be done if he's not too busy.
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I can't stop listening to Halycon Days, by far one of the best things Strato have ever done, this has become my most anticipated album this year.
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Yup same really looking forward to this, I'm pre-ordering the Japanese release :D
Has this got a bonus track?
10 - Fireborn (Special Edition Bonus Track)
11 - Hunter (Special Edition Bonus Track)
09 - Kill It With Fire (Japan Bonus Track)
The song out of the fog is written by Jani Liimatainen.
Here you can see/hear a review of Nemesis, (in italian). You can hear a bit of some songs. The guy says the album is awesome, and really surprising. ----------->> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYfq5a3X0Z0
I'm loving these 2 songs so much, I think I'll pre order the japan edition too. I've already pre-ordered the original version, but it was only $14, so who cares.
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I really love Halcyon Days. Unbreakable was a 'pretty nice' song, pretty much what you'd expect from the first single of an album. I personally liked the piano and the vocal melodies, the choir and the heavy riffing and especially the electronic sounding synth textures, but overall the song gave me a bit bland feeling. Halcyon Days, on the other hand, is a completely different thing. They've gone even further with those electronic influences, which I find really cool. The 'dubstep' (I'm not an expert, but I suppose that's what it is) part is one of the most interesting things I've heard in power metal in ages. If there are other songs on the album that continue with this electronic theme, I'm not going to complain.
I'm not sure what to think about Jani's contributions to the album. I mean, he's a great composer and I've loved almost everything he has done since he left Sonata Arctica, so basically it's all good. I do find it a bit strange though that a band with four skilled composers wants to get songwriting help from a guy who's not a part of the band. But anyway, If The Story is Over seemed to be a really great ballad based on the live performance (even though I didn't really like Jens' playing there), so maybe I should just shut up and wait for the album. :D
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Can i just derail from the current topic a sec. and say:
Eagleheart is amazing!! Just pure and simple melodic power metal! :metal
Now: Carry on....
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Eagleheart is truly great :metal
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I have a feeling this is going to be another "self titled" album for strat. :(
EDIT: the last corus of "Unbreakable" is very stratovarius-y \m/
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What gave you that feeling? They are currently firing all cylinders (admittedly, I haven't listened to new songs much, as too not spoil the album) and I see no reason to believe that that might be different on Nemesis (though I could get it if you didn't like Polaris and Elysium, but they are my two favourite Stratovarius albums).
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Just the feel of the begingin of the song seemed to take a different direction, but i spoke too soon. if its anything like the Last chorus, its going to be one hell of an album. I loved Polaris and Elysium, and im hoping this can live up to those expectations .
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The self titled wasn't really anything different for the band IMO, it just didn't have the fast songs, I liked it.
Still can't wait for Nemesis. :metal
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I like Unbreakable, but it's typical first single from a forthcoming Strato album.
Look at the past singles, SOS, Hunting, Eagle, Maniac, all pretty much the most commercial song on the album, almost 'throwaway pop' in the context of the rest of the album.
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Bumping for an awesome Stratovarius show, in full, on YouTube:
Stratovarius Live in Tilburg, Netherlands, 03-03-29 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKuSbAO2KUs)
Setlist:
1. Eagleheart
2. Find Your Own Voice
3. The Kiss of Judas
4. Speed of Light
5. Soul of a Vagabond
6. Destiny / Fantasia
7. Father Time
8. Medley (Fright Night / The Hands of Time / We Are the Future / Dreamspace / Tears of Ice / We Hold the Key)
9. Forever
10. Stratofortress
11. Elements
12. Will the Sun Rise?
13. Season of Change
14. Paradise
15. Hunting High and Low
16. Black Diamond
Sound quality is very good for a bootleg and the setlist is amazing.
:metal :metal
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That is an incredible setlist.
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New interview with Matias and Koto, noticed Jani Liimatainen paying some acoustic guitar in the video.
https://metalfromfinland.com/news/2013-01-28_22:41/stratovarius_members_interview_in_the_studio_video_available
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Another one! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNEjhX7a0-k
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Like I know English is not like Jens first like language, but like he like says like, like way too many times ;D
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Yes, its true :D He is always like always saying like ;D
Another one:
more Jens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KY71U-BL8W8&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdrsWY68Uz0
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Another one with Timo Kotipelto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSTCz4-c3ZE&feature=youtu.be
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Samples online! https://www.jvcmusic.co.jp/-/Discography/A013302/VICP-65107.html
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Thanks mate, sounds pretty impressive, as it can from these short samples.
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Abandon sounds a little awkward, but will see how it works with the rest of the song. Fantasy sounds awesome. Kill it With Fire sounds amazing, can't believe this is a Japan track only. Fireborn and Hunter sound incredible too, and these are bonus track too!! Title track sounds promising too.
Looks like I'm definitely ordering the Japanese edition.
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Haven't been able to listen to the samples yet but I've heard the two songs already released and they're definitely very promising.
I know it's a bit of an obvious point, but I was just reminiscing the other day how awesome their rebound has been. Before Tolkki left it was very hard to imagine a Stratovarius without him, since he wrote pretty much all their stuff. And it seemed like they weren't going anywhere but down, given the generally lackluster reception to the couple albums before Polaris. So when he left I just expected a breakup. But it's been the total opposite, fortunately.
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From the time half the band were fired and that blood drinking Miss K or whatever her name was was announced as the singer, to now, is incredible.
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Definitely firing on all cylinders now, everyone contributing (bar the drummer) to the songwriting, I could say that Tolkki leaving was the best thing that could happen to the band, at that stage into their career?
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I know they all contribute a bit more now, but I think Mattias still does a vast majority of the songwriting. But yeah, he is an incredible musician. Even in technicality alone, he could play circles around Timo.
As much as I like the last two albums, I don't think Visions can be topped, in my mind. We'll see.
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I don't think either that the album (oar any other album from them) could top Episode (for me their best album and one of the best metal albums ever, if not the best) but maybe they can approach the quality...for me Matias is the difference and the most important part in this new Stratovarius. Amazing reborn.
The album has leaked.
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Not listening to the album until I get my Japanese copy in the mail.
And, the last DVD shows how much of a better guitarist Matias is compared to Tolkki, technically wise.
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Not listening to the album until I get my Japanese copy in the mail.
And, the last DVD shows how much of a better guitarist Matias is compared to Tolkki, technically wise.
From where are you going to buy it? I bought once from HMV japan, but the delivery cost was too expensive. I suppose is the same wherever you buy. Anyway, where are you gonna buy it?
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Yeah I agree, Stratovarius were very lucky to get Matias. Not just a brilliant guitarist, but also songwriter, arranger, producer and engineer.
There is no such thing a cheap Japanese CD's, anywhere you get them from, they're going to be expensive.
I've always got mine from CD Japan https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/
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Yeah I agree, Stratovarius were very lucky to get Matias. Not just a brilliant guitarist, but also songwriter, arranger, producer and engineer.
There is no such thing a cheap Japanese CD's, anywhere you get them from, they're going to be expensive.
I've always got mine from CD Japan https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/
Thanks for that page. It is really expensive too, seems its the same everywhere...But I will buy the Japanese edition, 3 more songs it's too much!
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The Jap version has one exclusive song, the other two are going to be on the European digipak release.
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The Jap version has one exclusive song, the other two are going to be on the European digipak release.
Yes yes, but I meant that with the Japanese edition you have the ones in digipack plus new one, total three new ones, all in one cd. That's the best.
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Yup agreed.
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I just got mine from a store on ebay. It works out pretty expensive, probably around the same as that site. Very excited for the extra three songs though.
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Ok Wolfking, thanks for the info. Halcyon days will have a videoclip: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151279802061657&set=a.434631841656.203662.20648796656&type=1&theater
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:metal
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There's no doubt anymore - Stratovarius has become a Matias Kupiaini band, and a great band it is. I'm sure he's delighted that Kotipelto and Jens perform in his group. I'm really digging the new album, the songs are remarkably strong and catchy, especially the first few. I usually stop paying attention at Castles in the air, but at least the album ends with a bang - the title track is incredible! Other favorites: Haclyon days, Out of the fog, Stand my ground, Abandon.
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https://www.angrymetalguy.com/stratovarius-nemesis-review/
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Don't really understand what that guys problem is with the keyboard, they have always been an essential part of their music.
Here's a better review;
https://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/reviews/cd_3/s_2/stratovarius-nemesis.htm
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This is without any doubt, their best album since Visions.
WHAT A FUCKING EPIC FANTASTIC ALBUM.
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My Japanese version has been posted and just waiting for it now, can't wait.
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First impressions are really positive, it's so fresh.
There's no doubt anymore - Stratovarius has become a Matias Kupiainen band, and a great band it is.
Yeah, pretty much. Strato could have easily died after Tolkki left, Matias is the best thing that ever happened to this band. He's such a great composer, not to belittle the other guys! Their songs have been amazing as well.
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Haven't seen you here in a while Kosmo, nice that you're back! :tup
I still haven't listened to the new album - I keep getting into new music all the time and spending a lot of money on records, and I'm not that big of a Strato fan anymore so I'll have to listen before deciding whether or not I'll buy this.
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Get it, it's getting rave reviews. Still waiting on my copy.
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Haven't seen you here in a while Kosmo, nice that you're back! :tup
Thanks. :)
So I've had the album sort of in the back all day long, it's a really solid album all the way through. The songs range from average to incredible, actually the only song I'm sort of ''eh'' on is Stand My Ground mostly due to the lyrics (the start is just cringeworthy, don't use the word ''bloody'' like that unless you're British.) but it's still a decent Strato-song.
I read a few reviews and the most polarizing thing seems to be Jens' keys. Personally I love them, they're the star of the album.
Favorite tracks: Unbreakable, Fantasy, Castles in the Air and Nemesis is climbing the ranks.
As a whole I think it's better than Elysium but I still prefer Polaris a bit more, mostly because it's familiar.
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Halcyon days video teaser -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0D9HFmHmzo
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Looks awesome.
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Just received my lovely Japanese edition in the mail and have listened to it once through. It was a lot to take in, so it's hard to judge straight away, so I don't hate it and I don't love it. It's good though, but to be honest, I'm a little underwhelmed on the first listen. I normally am though on most albums I'm expecting big things out of, but needs a few listens to sink it. The bonus tracks are awesome.
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Holy shit, Fantasy is incredible!
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Fantastic album! Have only listened to it a few times, but I know I like it better than the previous two albums (which I also liked). Best Strato album in a LONG time, for me at least.
My favorite song is Stand My Ground, followed by Unbreakable and Fantasy.
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Got this on repeat today. It's good, really good, but I don't know if it will top Elysium for me, not just yet anyway.
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I'm still waiting for my copy from CD Japan.
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I don't understand how can somebody can say this album won't top Elysium. EVERY song in this album is better than every song in Elysium (but Elysium song that is just something apart).
This album is the most innovative, amazing and wonderful since Visions. The compositions, the power, the energy, the variation...This album is just a MASTERPIECE. But I suppose it is a matter of taste in the end. Then you have the bonus, where Killing With Fire have the most classical Jens really inspired. 14 killer tracks.
Stand My Ground, One Must Fall, Nemesis, Abandon, Unbreakable, Halcyon Days, Clastles In The Air and If The Stoy Is Over are one of the best songs they've released. It is absolutely incredible how this band has been rising again step by step since 2009.
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Hey, I said it's early days, so I haven't made any clear judgements. I thought Elysium is easily top 3 Strato and the title track is by far one of the greatest things they have ever done. At the moment, there is nothing here as epic as that song IMO. It's a long album, 71 minutes with the bonus tracks, so it needs time to digest and grow. It could very well top Elysium, but I don't know yet. It is way more consistent than Elysium, I'll give it that, and the band are working well.
At the end of the day, the more you have expectations for something, the harder the final product impresses IMO. Also, the boolket says Kill it With Fire is dedicated to Yngwie.
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You know, I like Stratovarius, and this new album, but there's one thing that really irritates me about their music. It's this one drum beat that appears in almost every song they make. It's all over this new album, and I am pretty sure if I went back and listened to their first album that same beat would be on it (I haven't listened to old Stratovarius in more than a decade so I'm not sure. But I think it would be). Pretty sure anyone who listens to this band will know which beat I am talking about. ..-...-...-...-...-
Don't get me wrong, I'm not expecting prog drumming from a power metal band. But they really do seem to love that beat too much, and it's boring me to tears. They could make music that still sounds like Stratovarius without it; the few songs devoid of it certainly still sound like Stratovarius songs.
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Hmmm...that's one thing I thought improved on this album, variety in the drumming. I know the drum beat you are talking about and I think they have broken out of that mold with the drumming here. It's still similar because there is still traits of old Stratovarius, but I like the drumming here.
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I really think that in this new album the drumming is different. You know, they have a new drummer and I think he works perfectly. Maybe in the next one he will improve. If you want different drumming for example in Stratovarius song you have Eternity, King of nothing or Elysium song 4 example. But well, every band has it's "trademark" for drumming, singing, etc, etc, and the one you mention is the Stratovarius one. Ayway, I think in this album you can hear different drumming and they have improved.
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After listening to the new album... I am completely OK with Rolf drumming. As much as I love Jörg Michael, Rolf is a perfect replacement. :metal
This album is SO much better than I expected it to be
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As someone who's only heard Elysium, I really like this album, I like the keyboards for the most part, but sometimes I feel they're at the forefront too much. Regardless, that's a very minor note and I'm digging the guitars A LOT, some nice heaviness added in just the right parts, can't say the drums are incredible but they get the job done. As for the vocals, very good singing and the lyrics are pretty good too.
I'd give the album a 7.5/10 It not being a sub-genre of music that I normally listen to I find it pretty damn sweet.
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Really, really digging this album thus far. I've really been exclusively listening to this album for the past week or more. It's a very consistent album, and I truly enjoy every single song. However, I'm in the same boat as wolfking....I'm not sure if it will pass Elysium for me. I think Elysium's lows were lower, but its highs were higher (specifically the title track). Also, Elysium was the first Stratovarius album I really listened to, so it had the benefit of everything sounding new and novel. Overall though I am very, very satisfied with this effort, and really surprised that this band was able to not only rebound, but take it to another level like they have.
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I think Elysium's lows were lower, but its highs were higher (specifically the title track).
You just hit the nail on the head my friend. I was trying to work out the comparision between the two albums, but this is just it.
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Well, I would say Elysium song is the best composition from the new line up till now and one of their best ever, but Nemesis is a LOT better as a whole album than Elysium, without any doubt.
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Nothing will ever top Event Horizon. That is one of the best tracks they've put out in the last few albums IMO. has that very "Stratovarius-y" feel more than most songs.
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Nothing will ever top Event Horizon. That is one of the best tracks they've put out in the last few albums IMO. has that very "Stratovarius-y" feel more than most songs.
:huh: :huh: for me is a "weak" song on Elysium.
But it is nice to see that many people have different opinions about their newest albums. It's cool and makes me happy. :metal
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Event Horizon was definitely a highlight on Elysium.
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God damn the guitar work on this album's hooked me like a fish, the crunch and sharp bite is so damned infectious.
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Event Horizon was definitely a highlight on Elysium.
It was one of the highlights indeed. :metal
I don't think Nemesis will top Elysium in my book. Elysium started with four fantastic songs and ended with a great shorter tune and a groundbreaking epic, whereas Nemesis is incredibly strong during the first half, then suddenly gets boring and doesn't pick up until the title track. I still heavily enjoy it, I've been spinning Stand my ground all day yesterday.
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I still have to listen to this... though the one song that I know (Unbreakable) isn't really up to par with Elysium, and my interest in Strato has been waning, so I didn't pre-order. When this hits Spotify, I'll give it a listen.
Also, while I rarely listen to Strato, when I do, it's almost always Elysium. Not a bad track on that album, and the title track is probably one of my favourite power metal tracks of all time.
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It is funny and strange, people in this forum say more or less the opposite of what is said in other froums regarding Elysium album vs Nemesis album. I think it is because in this album there is a new style and some people can't get in that easy. It use to happen. Don't get me wrong, for me Elysium is an amazing album, it is wonderful and I enjoyed a lot, plus I think Elysium song is the best song from this lineup and one of the best ever, but I think (and the majority) that Nemesis is way lot better as a whole album. Anyway, enjoy Stratovarius! :metal :metal ;)
Vinyl version bonus (Old man and the Sea) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBz38Qck3q4
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Event Horizon was definitely a highlight on Elysium.
It was one of the highlights indeed. :metal
I don't think Nemesis will top Elysium in my book. Elysium started with four fantastic songs and ended with a great shorter tune and a groundbreaking epic, whereas Nemesis is incredibly strong during the first half, then suddenly gets boring and doesn't pick up until the title track. I still heavily enjoy it, I've been spinning Stand my ground all day yesterday.
D: but Castles in the Sky! and Dragons! both awesome tracks. I feel the two weak points on the album are "Stand My Ground" and "One Must Fall." Other than that its an all around strong album.
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Event Horizon was definitely a highlight on Elysium.
It was one of the highlights indeed. :metal
I don't think Nemesis will top Elysium in my book. Elysium started with four fantastic songs and ended with a great shorter tune and a groundbreaking epic, whereas Nemesis is incredibly strong during the first half, then suddenly gets boring and doesn't pick up until the title track. I still heavily enjoy it, I've been spinning Stand my ground all day yesterday.
I tend to agree with this at the moment. The more I listen to Nemesis, the more I like it, but the more I think I like Elysium better. Elysium has that up and down like you said and seems to have more variety. Nemesis is very consistent, maybe too consistent. Loving Fireborn, the title track, Fantasy, well most of them really. I just it's just a different beast to Elysium and time will tell which one will come out on top.
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So I listened to the album and it was a very good listen, but almost nothing stuck with me. Elysium felt far more memorable on the first listen, though I'll keep listening - maybe it'll grow on me.
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Elysium felt far more memorable on the first listen
This is very true. Nemesis seems like a realy grower.
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I can tell you it is like you say. You will see how will be growing. When I was listening Halcyon days for the fisrt time I was like WTF have they done¿?¿? And now I just love it. It always happens the same. When you are used to a band releasing some kind of songs, and then they are heavier or different, you can get a bit underwhelmed, but it is the obvious process. What this band is doing is extremely fantastic. I'm listening this band for a long time and I have listened to their whole albums more than I have been listening any other band including my other favourite band, DT. I mean, you can say I love this band, it is my favourite for many reasons. And I can tell you that this album have something that makes me feel exactly as when I heard Episode or Visions for the first time. The whole 14 songs, are just incredible and if you hear the album in a whole, it is just astonishing. Stand my ground is my fav at the moment but I feel bad for the rest of the songs by saying this, because woooooooooooooooow :metal :metal :metal
I just hope they play live Halcyon Days as an opener and Nemesis to finish the concerts. In the middle they can put Elysium song, Emancipation suite and the rest everything about Nemesis album :omg: :biggrin: :biggrin:
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I loved Halycon Days the first time I heard, I still think it's one of their top 10 songs of all time.
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I know there's only so much you can expect from a power metal music video, but I'm excited to see the Halycon Days music video.
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Halcyon days videoclip is online (but just for Finland until Friday) -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5f1qZRMmZxI
Anyway, if you are outside Finland and want to see it, it has been uploaded by another user-> https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=SeDaEmOmZyk
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What the hell was the point of the chick, made the video pretty cheesy. It would have been much more powerful if it was just the band playing.
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What the hell was the point of the chick, made the video pretty cheesy. It would have been much more powerful if it was just the band playing.
True, it ruined a little bit the video.
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Nice video for my favorite song on the album. Don't badmouth the girl, she's hot. :biggrin: And that's one fine beard on Timo, although no one can beat James LaBrie when it comes to transformation by growing a beard. :smiley:
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:omg: Stand my ground RULES live!
Tk was ill these days and it said in an interview after the concert that he had not fully recovered from flue. Anyway, it sounds really good and the power of the new songs live is AMAZING.
Some videos here:
Stand my ground: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZxR2hPtIJM
Fantasy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGF7mm7-5V4
Halcyon days: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nLEMbJ4sxo
Nemesis reached #16 on Billboard, #32 in Spain. A really really good figures for Stratovarius.
A little Rolf solo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20q5Mnx0OYE
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Unbreakable-> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCGgj_nIbIo
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It's too bad he struggles with the high notes, the guys tuned down their guitars quite a bit. Still, it all looks really good and I'd love to see them again.
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It's too bad he struggles with the high notes, the guys tuned down their guitars quite a bit. Still, it all looks really good and I'd love to see them again.
He was a bit ill. I think the new songs sounds incredible live, mainly Stand my Ground.
Abandon with Rolf pov -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI_25sLt_4o :D
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I'm kind of surprised that a band as big as Strato still play small venues like Tavastia?
I finally got the Japanese version this week, I was a little underwhelmed at first, but Nemesis is growing on me.
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I'm kind of surprised that a band as big as Strato still play small venues like Tavastia?
Basically every band, big or small, plays at Tavastia, Nightwish is the only exception that comes to mind. Besides, Stratovarius' popularity isn't as huge as during their heyday in the late 90s (although they get airplay on at least one radio channel) - NW, Sonata Arctica, Amorphis and Bodom are bigger in Finland nowadays.
I still haven't heard Nemesis; I'll borrow it from the local library (if they get it at some point) and buy a copy for myself if I like it.
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Kotipelto sounds dreadful. He has never been a great live singer, hopefully it's just his sickness, you couldn't possibly to a full blown tour sounding like this.
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Intro+Abandon+Speed of Light -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CYMMshb6xc
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It's too bad he struggles with the high notes, the guys tuned down their guitars quite a bit. Still, it all looks really good and I'd love to see them again.
He was a bit ill. I think the new songs sounds incredible live, mainly Stand my Ground.
Abandon with Rolf pov -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI_25sLt_4o :D
he hits pretty hard. he seems like a very solid drummer so far ! :metal
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Amazing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd0tVGDXRyI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4sMNYMpENM
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They played Destiny when I saw them in 05 or 06 and it was :metal
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Dragons-> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QebcQBxVSsw
Stand my ground ( I love this song and I like a lot live) -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCIc8wA5WsU&feature=youtu.be
Abandon (bad audio but the vocals sounds good, until the mic fucks up the thing lol) -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZ1mPtnFCuU&feature=youtu.be
Speed of Light -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5sbkYAJyKA
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Last saturday night Stratovarius show at Madrid was unbelievable! Tk's voice was astonishing. I cound't believe it cause as we all know he was ill again and we were afraid about it. But when the show started, my ears realized I was hearing the best Kotipelto again! I hope the rest of the people that is gonna see them live in this tour can have TK with that quality for the rest of the tour.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=uEujDcipp2U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HepBNvBAH3g&feature=player_embedded
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ9ophv_fF0&feature=player_embedded
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=uJyuevYfW4c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X3-HB_lVag&feature=player_embedded
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Why cant they just come to america for a show or two D:
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They'll come to the USA and anywhere else when they are booked by a promoter to tour.
Bands do not decided or book countries they tour :facepalm:
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The new album is surely standing the test of time for me... In fact I'm quite sure this will be my favorite album by theirs to date. I'm to the point where I still listen to it almost daily, and there's no songs that I skip. My favorites on the album vary from week to week (current favorites are "Nemesis" and "If the Story Is Over").
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Nemesis is beyond amazing. My favourite song of the album and one of the best songs for me in their whole discography is Stand my ground.
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To be honest, I really haven't had any urge to come back to Nemesis. It's good but I think I will come back to it in time. I still think Elysium is the better album.
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To be honest, I really haven't had any urge to come back to Nemesis. It's good but I think I will come back to it in time. I still think Elysium is the better album.
Not for me. I found Elysium not as good as Nemesis by far. Anyway, Elysium (the song) is the best song from the new line up till now maybe. It's a pity that you can't enjoy the album, but well, it is a matter of taste.
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Stratovarius miniconcert in spanish TV -> https://www.rtve.es/alacarta/videos/los-conciertos-de-radio-3/
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Wow, it's been awhile since there's been any activity in this thread. To get some discussion going, what's everyone's favorite album?
I just listened to Dreamspace again, and it's still my favorite. Very unique, sparse cold sound on that one.
Plus, I prefer Timo to Timo on vocals. .....:neverusethis:
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Actually this is an older thread, there was a more recent one earlier this year containing discussion on Nemesis. Can't blame you for not finding it though, the search on this forum is all kinds of shit.
I've pretty much grown out of old Stratovarius, just listened to them too much back in highschool and burned myself out on that style of power metal altogether. Back then my favourites were Episode, Dreamspace and Destiny. But I think as of this moment my favourite Stratovarius album is probably Nemesis.
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Merged the two.
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Thanks. I tried searching, because I actually remember reading through the other thread, but I couldn't find it.
Actually this is an older thread, there was a more recent one earlier this year containing discussion on Nemesis. Can't blame you for not finding it though, the search on this forum is all kinds of shit.
I've pretty much grown out of old Stratovarius, just listened to them too much back in highschool and burned myself out on that style of power metal altogether. Back then my favourites were Episode, Dreamspace and Destiny. But I think as of this moment my favourite Stratovarius album is probably Nemesis.
Hm, I haven't heard Nemesis yet. I should get it soon.
Though my "get it soon" list is growing unreasonably large. :lol
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I still haven't heard Nemesis and I've listened to Stratovarius very sparsely in the past year, mostly due to my current lack of interest in power metal - even the few songs I have listened to have been slow or mid-tempo tunes. I got burned out on the late 90s/early 00s stuff, because their music got quite repetitive in those days. I think Fourth Dimension and Dreamspace include much more interesting stuff, although Episode has great songs as well.
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Hey Ninja you remember that one time where I said that we were probably seperated at birth or something? Yeah, that still holds true, Dreamspace is my favourite as well. :metal Abyss is the perfect combination between atmospheric, catchy and metal as fuck.
Second favourites would be Elysium. The title track just slays and the rest of the tracks are all gold as well.
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My fav is still Elements Part 1.
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I don't think I've heard that one yet. I'll check it out. :tup
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Merged the two.
There must have been three. The thread I was referring to was this one: https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=34794.140
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Stratovarius are touring Australia and playing Sydney in 2 days.
Now I've seen the old line up a few times in Finland, but not this one, so only being a 15 minute drive away I think I am going to see them.
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Stratovarius are touring Australia and playing Sydney in 2 days.
Now I've seen the old line up a few times in Finland, but not this one, so only being a 15 minute drive away I think I am going to see them.
Fuck, no Brisbane show, we always get screwed.
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There must be a reason that promoters are not booking bands to play up your way mate?
Is there no market for metal in Brisbane?
Do other bands play and what size venue and do they get a poor turn out?
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Stratovarius are touring Australia and playing Sydney in 2 days.
Now I've seen the old line up a few times in Finland, but not this one, so only being a 15 minute drive away I think I am going to see them.
Went to them earlier this year and was pleasantly surprised. Timo sounded pretty good and hit most of the notes perfectly fine. The latest album is also kind of fun and translates well to the live setting imo. I was at the concert in the Netherlands (with Amaranthe, who play really bad live) and this happened:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDV3dJVcC5o (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDV3dJVcC5o)
It was actually a good finisher for the concert and shows the crowd, although very small, was much in to it. I think this line-up works very well, alltough I haven't seen them before.
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I'm glad they're playing new places and returning to areas that haven't seen them in a while, but they need to come back to the USA. I miss them :( . Its been damn near 9 years or so.
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There must be a reason that promoters are not booking bands to play up your way mate?
Is there no market for metal in Brisbane?
Do other bands play and what size venue and do they get a poor turn out?
Not really. I haven't been to a show for a while now. The turnouts are pretty crap compared to Sydney and Melbourne.
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Well they were bloody loud, I have pro ear plugs and my ears are stilling ringing!
That said the boys were in top form, everyone individually a master of their instrument and it on show for all to see.
I've seen them 4 times over the years and this is the tightest I'd see them and Kotipelto was also in fine voice.
The set list, well I was floored with a few choices, three from my fave Infinite album, and the total shock, Destiny.
4 from Nemesis and as far back as the Forth Dimension album.
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gaz, was this (https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/stratovarius/2013/the-hi-fi-sydney-australia-bc765f6.html) the show you went to? Because I'd bloody kill for that setlist.
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Yup that was the show, and yes killer set list.
If only they had played Out Of The Fog from the recent album.....
But I never expected Destiny, A Million Light Years or Phoenix.
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So I am not very familiar with Stratovarius. I want to give them a good listen, and would like to get recommendations as to what album(s) I should listen to. I know this is an old thread but its the Stratovarius thread, so....
As some may know, I'm a huge Helloween fan, particularly the newer material, the Deris-era. Iv always thought of Stratovarius as just being another bland Helloween clone trying to recreate the sound and style of the Keepers albums. Iv heard a few songs in the past but want to get an album or two and give them a chance. I realize they have quite a few albums, so there's gotta be at least one that I'd really like.
Im not a huge Keepers fan but love newer Helloween songs like Burning Sun and Salvation, songs that are similar in style to what was done of the 2 first Keepers, but with Deris vocals and crunchier guitars. So I'm not a huge fan of the classic power metal sound all the time. But as I said, Stratovarius has a lot of material so there must be some albums I'd enjoy. I did listen to their self-titled, becuase I heard it was odd and an effort by the band to be commercial. I can't remember much about it though.
I'd love to get some recommendations based on what Iv said. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated.
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I really like their newest album 'Nemesis' and 'Elysium' is pretty cool as well. But other than that, I myself need to do some more listening.
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Dreamspace is my favorite Strato album, and the only one I listen to with any regularity.
It's pretty different from their other material though, darker and more atmospheric.
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Episode and Visions are the most popular albums, but Fourth Dimension was my favorite when I still actively listened to Strato - it's a bit more progressive than most of their albums.
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Of the older stuff, my favourites were Episode and Destiny. Infinite and Elements part 1 were good too.
But I don't really listen to them anymore save a song here or there. These days I'm all about Nemesis. :heart
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Dreamspace sounds like it could be interesting. Maybe I'll check it out. Are there any newer albums i should check out? Like in the second half of their career?
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I always had a soft spot for Twilight Time. Great atmosphere on that record.
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Is Stratovarius's music at all comparable to Edguy? I'v really been digging Edguy lately. I love their last few albums, but I don't expect a band like Stratovarius to sound like recent Edguy ;p But I'm really really into the Mandrake album. What's a good album for an Edguy fan to get into?
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I've never heard anything by Edguy, but didn't Timo Tolkki produce one of their albums?
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This is what Timo Kotipelto thinks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyVkU4qakzE
(And sorry, I can't give a proper answer as I don't really know Edguy at all.)
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Definately their latest album Nemesis, including the bonus tracks (why is Kill It With Fire a Japanese bonustrack...? It is a really fun powermetal song imo). To me that is their best work and I've listened to most of their albums a few times now (save for a few of the first without Kotipelto), but I am not a big fan or anything like that.
I kind of dislike Edguy. I have yet to hear a song from them that speaks to me musically. Avantasia does, however, have some very nice tracks. In part due to the awesome guest vocalists.
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I've never heard anything by Edguy, but didn't Timo Tolkki produce one of their albums?
He mixed and played a guitar solo on Vain Glory Opera.
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Stratovarius seem to be one of the 'Big 4' or Power Metal. Or maybe Big 5?
From what I can tell, the Big 4/5 are: Helloween, Blind Guardian, Gamma Ray, Stratovarius (#5 either Dragonforce or Edguy)
I love Helloween, favorite band. I like BG, love their sound, the most unique sound of PM bands, but the fantasy themes turn me off, but i'm getting more into them these days. I love Edguy, Tobi is amazing. Dragonforce is boring, terrible, and cheesy. Now I need to give Stratovarius a listen.
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From what I can tell, the Big 4/5 are: Helloween, Blind Guardian, Gamma Ray, Stratovarius (#5 either Dragonforce or Edguy)
I'd probably agree with that. Although if I chose a fifth it would be Hammerfall, perhaps bumping Gamma Ray to the 5th spot.
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Blind Guardian are huge, it seems. I'v heard that Helloween are probably the biggest german power metal band, at least in more countries when compared to BG. But it seems to me like BG are the most popular power metal band right now. In the US/Canada, Dragonforce are the most well known PM band and many of these fans don't even know about these other guys. Stratovarius does not seem as popular as they used to be, or at least not as highly regarded in their current state as they once were. And Helloween seems to be coasting by on top, and it's been this way for a long time. It's awesome how Prog/Power metal is so big in Japan. Of course, this is just from my POV. It seems like Guardian have, like, a 'niche' market of the PM community totally in their hands. I live in Vancouver Canada, and if Helloween or BG were to come play here I'd think BG would have a wayyy bigger crowd. But again, IDK. It just seems like Helloween are well known everywhere except North America.
But I really think Gamma Ray takes the spot over Hammerfall. I'm not a fan of Gamma Ray, or even Hammerfall, but I known most consider them the creators of power metal, with Helloween. Even though it was really just Helloween, and Gamma Ray broke off from that. I can't stand Kai's vocals. I'v always felt Weikath was a way better songwriter, and I like his overall style more cuz it's more melodic.
And yes, Stratovarius are definitely an important and influential PM band (in keeping with theme of thread ;p)
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Bumpage because I've been listening to Elysium (the track) recently, and my god, it's just perfect. It might just be my favourite power metal song ever.
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It's definitely a top 5 Strato song.
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Looking what seems to be the modern yardstick for popularity, official band Facebook page;
Blind Guardian - 667,074
Helloween - 1,666,839
Stratovarius - 1,175,862
Edguy - 381,977
Gamma Ray - 246,364
DragonForce - 1,771,057
Avantasia - 534,908
Hammerfall - 793,643
Nightwish - 4,396,729
Sonata Arctica - 1,164,893
So thus the big 4 of power metal are:
1. Nightwish - by a long shot and I very much consider them a PM band.
2. DragonForce
3. Helloween
4. Stratovarius
Which to me at least is surprising, almost shocking :xbones
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Anybody up for ranking the albums? I've only heard a few scattered Stratovarius songs, but I've liked them all, and I've always been interested in checking them out in more detail. Seeing how you guys rank the albms would be helpful in figuring out where to start.
Plus DTF loves ranking things, so it's a win-win. :D
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I'd struggle to rank every single one of their albums but quite honestly their latest album (Nemesis) is probably their best. The other two with the new guitarist are also good (Elysium and Polaris).
With the "classic" Tolkki line up the first three with Kotipelto on vocals are generally considered to be their peak - so Fourth Dimension , Episode and Visions .
My top 3 would be Nemesis , Fourth Dimension and Episode with not a great deal between them.
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I can give you my Top 5, which would be:
1a: Dreamspace
1b: Elysium
3. Polaris
4. Destiny
5. Episode
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1. Infinite
2. Episode
3. Elements part I
4. Destiny
5. Nemesis.
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Nemesis is fantastic, I couldn't recommend it enough. Of the classic stuff, Destiny and Episode.
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I really have to give Nemesis another try. When it came out, I thought that it was okay, but paled in comparison to the brilliance of Elysium, and I never really came back to it.
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Bumpage because I've been listening to Elysium (the track) recently, and my god, it's just perfect. It might just be my favourite power metal song ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikDS1TBAElo#t=2m06s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Cw1ng75KP0#t=0m48s
:P
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Bumpage because I've been listening to Elysium (the track) recently, and my god, it's just perfect. It might just be my favourite power metal song ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikDS1TBAElo#t=2m06s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Cw1ng75KP0#t=0m48s
:P
This is pretty far fetched.
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Bumpage because I've been listening to Elysium (the track) recently, and my god, it's just perfect. It might just be my favourite power metal song ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikDS1TBAElo#t=2m06s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Cw1ng75KP0#t=0m48s
:P
This is pretty far fetched.
Calm down, I didn't imply anything by that. You can't say you don't hear similarities!? :lol
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I can see what you are saying with a couple of small passages in the vocal melodies, but I wouln't call it a rip off or anything. I've listened to this song many times, and am very familiar with Alone and it has never come to me.
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I can see what you are saying with a couple of small passages in the vocal melodies, but I wouln't call it a rip off or anything. I've listened to this song many times, and am very familiar with Alone and it has never come to me.
I never implied it was a rip off man. It was all for fun! It's one passage that sounds similar, that's all.
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And Heart ripped the song off from a band called I-Ten :P
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I can see what you are saying with a couple of small passages in the vocal melodies, but I wouln't call it a rip off or anything. I've listened to this song many times, and am very familiar with Alone and it has never come to me.
I never implied it was a rip off man. It was all for fun! It's one passage that sounds similar, that's all.
I hear it, certainly didn't need to check which song it sounded like. The solo straight after this reminds me of the beginning of JP's under a glass moon solo.
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A quote from Timo's fb:
Tonight the only Strato show for this spring in Levi Hulluporo Areena.
More Strato shows in the summer. We are also planning to start recording a new album during the next months
Safe to bet on a new album this year?
And we will at the very least get a new Cains Offering album this year, it seems. He states vocals are finished:
Vocals for the next Cain's Offering Official album done! Yeah! Jani has again composed some damn excellent songs! If you liked the first one you will love this one.
Never heard the first, is it decent?
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Cain's Offering 'Gather The Faithful' is bloody brilliant to say the least.
One of of Kotipelto's finest albums, his singing sound far more relaxed and natural than many of the Stratovarius albums.
Jani tears it up and it easy to hear what is lacking in the latter Sonata albums without him.
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Oh wow, didn't expect another Cain's Offering album, this is a great surprise.
Cain's Offering 'Gather The Faithful' is bloody brilliant to say the least.
One of of Kotipelto's finest albums, his singing sound far more relaxed and natural than many of the Stratovarius albums.
Jani tears it up and it easy to hear what is lacking in the latter Sonata albums without him.
Pretty much this.
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Sounds cool, will check it out then!
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Nor did I expect another album, though I always lived in hope.
Jani has kept a pretty low profile since his exit from Sonata.
Hopefully his has a load of material to choose from and the second CO will be equal or better than the debut.
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Stratovarius bassist Lauri Porra has just released his third solo album 'Flyover'.
If you think he is just a bass player in a power metal band, he is definitely much more than that.
Very melodic progressive rock with some ambient touches.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMd0nJbEVwM
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Stratovarius bassist Lauri Porra has just released his third solo album 'Flyover'.
If you think he is just a bass player in a power metal band, he is definitely much more than that.
Very melodic progressive rock with some ambient touches.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMd0nJbEVwM
That was amazing.
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New Cain's Offering out in Japan end of April
https://www.marquee.co.jp/avalon/index.html
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New Cain's Offering out in Japan end of April
https://www.marquee.co.jp/avalon/index.html
Wow, can't wait for this.
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Nor me, I already pre ordered at CD Japan.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VECI3keYKug
Sounds pretty good, same old song, but no complaints at all.
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New album titled 'Eternal' out on August 14th.
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New album titled 'Eternal' out on August 14th.
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/Smileys/default/caffeine.gif)
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Can't come soon enough.
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HYPE
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If they continue in the vein of Nemesis then I expect it to be one of my faves for the year.
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I actually found Nemesis, while still good, to be a definite step down from Elysium, but then again that's probably my favourite power metal album of the decade so far, so it's not really a fair comparison.
If the new album is as good as Nemesis, I sure won't complain.
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You're not alone Scorpion, I found Nemises quite a step down compared to Elysium too. Still realy looking forward to this new one.
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I tried to get into both Polaris and Elysium again after Nemesis (pretty sure I only listened to them once each at release), but for me there's just no comparison. Nemesis is way out in front.
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Let's be real here folks, we all know Dreamspace is the best them.
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Did I ever say anything else? :hifive:
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Let's be real here folks, we all know Dreamspace is the best them.
Visions and/or Episode takes it for me.
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I always thought Visions was overrated. Of the old stuff, my favourites are Episode and Destiny. Dreamspace is pretty good too. But overall I'd have to say that Nemesis is the best them now.
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Actually my fave would be the Infinite album.
Besides being a great album, it also holds some rather fond memories
of my first trip to Helsinki.
Where I ended up at the album's release party and got pretty drunk :metal
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For me power metal is powerful when it slows down and has some crunchy riffs and time changes etc..... rather than being some sort of double kick marathon ,so I like albums where this tends to happen a lot. That's why I like Nemesis (and most of the recent albums) along with tracks like Kiss of Judas ,Uncertainty, We Hold The Key etc...
My top 4 would be (no particular order) Nemesis, Elysium , Episode and Fourth Dimension. I have a soft spot for Fourth Dimension as it was my first of theirs (bought around the time of release). We Hold The Key really blew me away at the time and it remains one of the hugest guitar/key sounds I've heard ,despite perhaps sounding a touch dated now.
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My favorites would probably be Elysium, Polaris, Episode, Infinite and Fourth dimension. Truth be told, I haven't been listening to Stratovarius in a while. I got crazy about the later stuff once the new guitarist joined the band, but Nemesis didn't exactly blow me away aside from a couple of songs. We'll see about the new album...
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I always have had a soft spot for Twilight Time, great atmosphere. Elements 1 is probably still my fav.
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Another new Cain's Offering song, this one is also very good, despite the horrible YT compression.
https://youtu.be/HEd4SQYCtaY
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I always have had a soft spot for Twilight Time, great atmosphere. Elements 1 is probably still my fav.
Elements 1 is good, so is 2.
But if you combine both and cut a few songs, it has real killer potential.
Probably Tolkki's last great works.
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I liked Polaris, and thought it was a step in the right direction. Elysium exceeded my expectations and was a further step in the right direction.
And then Nemesis... I liked it even quite a bit more then Polaris and Elysium (although the title track of Elysium is prob my favorite Strato song ever).
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Another new Cain's Offering song, this one is also very good, despite the horrible YT compression.
https://youtu.be/HEd4SQYCtaY
Not bad. Similar feel to the first album.
I always have had a soft spot for Twilight Time, great atmosphere. Elements 1 is probably still my fav.
Elements 1 is good, so is 2.
But if you combine both and cut a few songs, it has real killer potential.
Probably Tolkki's last great works.
2 was a bit of a let down compared to 1 IMO. You could add a couple of songs from 2 to 1 to make it killer though.
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Bought this one last year:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Elements-Pt-Complete-Stratovarius/dp/B00OGP7ZLW/ref=sr_1_3?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1430376851&sr=1-3&keywords=stratovarius
Pretty good stuff too, bonus DVD has some nice 5.1 mixes on it.
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Those 5.1 DVD's always make it a no deal for me. I have no use for them at all. Cool package if you didn't have the albums too. I got both the original box sets of both parts when the albums were released. They have most of those bonus tracks on them anyway. Run Away is a great bonus track.
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I got the new Cain's Offering CD from CD Japan.
Absolutely magnificent from start to finish, not a dud song in sight.
Killer power metal, nothing new of course, but just so good and so well done.
The new Stratovarius is going to be 100% perfect to beat this release.
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Good to read. I didn't know we were that close to the release date. Gotta source this one. Any Japan bonuses worth noting?
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1 killer bonus track, one of the best songs on the album and a first press sticker, which I think are all gone already.
I think the release date apart from Japan is in a few weeks.
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That makes sense, I thought it was late May. Might have to look into a Japanese copy.
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For us Aussie's, Japanese CD's are not that expensive.
$25-28 plus shipping is pretty good and if you buy a few at a time.
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Absolutely joining this thread.. :metal
Here my favorite albums:
1- Episode (constant :chill)
2- Elements pt 2 (sadly underrated :'( )
3- Nemesis
4- Infinite
5- Intermission (WMSERiP :heart)
6- Destiny
7- Stratovarius (another one)
8- Visions
9- Elysium
10- Elements pt 1
11- Polaris
12- Fourth Dimension
13- Twilight Time
14- Dreamspace
15- Fright Night
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Dreamspace is about 14 spots too low.
1. Dreamspace
2. Elysium
3. Polaris
4. Episode
5. 4th Dimension
6. Nemesis
7. Destiny
8. Visions
9. Infinite
10. Twilight Time
11. Elements Pt 1
12. Elements Pt 2
13. Fright Night
14. Stratovarius
Haven't heard Intermission yet.
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Dreamspace is about 14 spots too low.
Elements pt 2 is about 10 spots too low.. :lol
Haven't heard Intermission yet.
You should.. It has great songs.. Especially the first four..
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Dreamspace is about 14 spots too low.
Elements pt 2 is about 10 spots too low.. :lol
:lol No. It's about where it should be. Elements Part 1 on the other hand...
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Have given Stratovarius a chance and they failed. I don't like really symphonic power metal like that. I'm a huge Helloween fan but think its weird they are compared sometimes because Helloween doesn't have a symphonic element in their power metal, while Strat is filled with that stuff. Same could be said about Hammerfall, who I think of more as a traditional metal band like Maiden or Priest.
Although I think I would like Stratovarius a lot more if it wasn't for the vocals. It's a real shame.
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Coming Sept 11
(https://www.grande-rock.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/large/imagesnews/stratovarius-eternal-cover2015.jpg)
Tracklist:
1. My Eternal Dream
2. Shine in the Dark
3. Rise Above It
4. Lost Without a Trace
5. Feeding the Fire
6. In My Line of Work
7. Man in the Mirror
8. Few Are Those
9. Fire in Your Eyes
10. Lost Saga
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Probably the most anticipated release of the year for me. :metal
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Looking forward to this, let's hope it's more in the vein of Polaris/Elysium than of Nemesis.
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Looking forward to this, let's hope it's more in the vein of Polaris/Elysium than of Nemesis.
You can hope that on your own, I'll hope for the opposite. :lol
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Looking forward to this, let's hope it's more in the vein of Polaris/Elysium than of Nemesis.
You can hope that on your own, I'll hope for the opposite. :lol
:tup Elysium is cool too. I think the current lineup with deliver ,just a matter of how good . In fact I think it may even surpass Tolkki's recent output :neverusethis:
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Looking forward to this, let's hope it's more in the vein of Polaris/Elysium than of Nemesis.
You can hope that on your own, I'll hope for the opposite. :lol
Heh.
I mean, Nemesis was pretty good, great in parts even, so I wouldn't complain about something in that style, but Elysium is my tied favourite Stratovarius album - absolutely brilliant from start to finish.
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Looking forward to this, let's hope it's more in the vein of Polaris/Elysium than of Nemesis.
Agree with this 100%. Dunno what it is about Nemesis, it's good but a step down from Elysium which was just incredible.
EDIT: Yeah basically what you said above, it's just stunning.
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I guess I just don't see what you guys see in Elysium, it all sounds pretty average to me. I thought Nemesis was a gigantic step up.
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I guess I just don't see what you guys see in Elysium, it all sounds pretty average to me. I thought Nemesis was a gigantic step up.
If anything it just shows how strong the bands post Tolkki material is.
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Coming Sept 11
(https://www.grande-rock.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/large/imagesnews/stratovarius-eternal-cover2015.jpg)
Tracklist:
1. My Eternal Dream
2. Shine in the Dark
3. Rise Above It
4. Lost Without a Trace
5. Feeding the Fire
6. In My Line of Work
7. Man in the Mirror
8. Few Are Those
9. Fire in Your Eyes
10. Lost Saga
:corn :rollin :metal
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What's with the :corn and :rollin ?
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:corn signifies waiting with anticipation, I think.
No idea on the :rollin
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:corn expectant, anxious, and
:rollin happy for the good news..
I'll add this one now: :facepalm:
:lol
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oh
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Japan version of Eternal adds two bonus tracks and a live DVD from Loud Park 2013
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Japan version of Eternal adds two bonus tracks and a live DVD from Loud Park 2013
Damn, I think this makes it very worthwhile.
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Loud Park - nice name for a venue :lol
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I just googled the setlist for this Loud Park show;
1. Under Flaming Skies
2. Speed of Light
3. Halcyon Days
4. Dragons
5. Fantasy
6. A Million Light Years Away
7. Eagleheart
8. Destiny
9. Keyboard Solo
10. Black Diamond
11. Forever
12. Unbreakable
13. Hunting High and Low
Fuck yeah, I'm getting this one.
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Indeed I have already pre-ordered this along with the deluxe Amorphis CD/DVD from CD Japan.
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The band just posted a video for a new song off of Eternal, "Shine in the Dark (https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=36&v=--RFWXDr20I)"
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The band just posted a video for a new song off of Eternal, "Shine in the Dark (https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=36&v=--RFWXDr20I)"
Sounds like a leftover from Nemesis - not particularly impressed tbh. Hopefully this is "token single" material.
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Gonna withhold judgement on the album, which is still going to be an automatic buy, but not a big fan of the new song (at least first impression). I still have hope the album as a whole will kick ass though.
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The band just posted a video for a new song off of Eternal, "Shine in the Dark (https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=36&v=--RFWXDr20I)"
Sounds like a leftover from Nemesis - not particularly impressed tbh. Hopefully this is "token single" material.
Pretty much.
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I didn't hear the Nemesis vibe until the chorus which was a direct copy of anything off that album really. It's alright, and I think will be fine within the album. I get a bit of a Cain's Offering vibe in the verses too.
Still miles better than Tolkki.
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Still miles better than Tolkki.
Yeah, but that's such a ridiculously low benchmark that it shouldn't even enter the discussion.
Also song is alright, but nothing outstanding.
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Sad but true.
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Gonna withhold judgement on the album, which is still going to be an automatic buy, but not a big fan of the new song (at least first impression). I still have hope the album as a whole will kick ass though.
Exactly this..
I didn't hear the Nemesis vibe until the chorus which was a direct copy of anything off that album really.
0:47 "It-seeems-liiike-yeees-teeer-day..." is unfortunately a copy of 1:45 from Nemesis, the song, "Caa-liiing-ooout-fooor-power..."
Still miles better than Tolkki.
No way.. At least not this particular song..
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I meant post Strato Tokki projects.
And I knew it sounded to familiar.
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Stratovarius sucks! Power metal is for germans!!!.
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Stratovarius sucks! Power metal is for germans!!!.
wut?
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New album is out today. Digging it so far, only 3 songs in though.
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I'm not really warming up to it at all. Very disappointing after Nemesis.
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Still not on Spotify Canada :sadpanda:
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SItting in my mailbox along with the new Scale the Summit.
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This is a very good album. Not that many truly great songs, but considering that Nemesis had a few mediocre tracks, this one is a slight improvement. I love Feeding the fire and Shine in the dark, and the closing epic track is very... well, epic. :metal
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Starts of pretty lackluster, but gets better towards the end.
Fire In Your Eyes is great, and The Lost Saga is a suitably epic end to the album.
Probably my third favourite of the post-Tolkki albums; it might pass Polaris with a few more listens. No way in hell that it'll beat Elysium though.
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Starts of pretty lackluster, but gets better towards the end.
Fire In Your Eyes is great, and The Lost Saga is a suitably epic end to the album.
Probably my third favourite of the post-Tolkki albums; it might pass Polaris with a few more listens. No way in hell that it'll beat Elysium though.
Such a damn fine record.
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Kade, what do you think of their new album? I may jump in on it.
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Haven't heard it yet man. That's one of those album that I usually can't find instore and will have to order online. I haven't got my ass around to ordering it yet so probably a couple weeks before I hear it. The songs I've listened to are good and all, but certainly nothing special. The comments here aren't surprsing.
Make sure you get Polaris, Elysium and Nemesis first. If you love them, I'm sure the new one will suit too.
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I would get Nemesis Tim if you don't have it - Eternal sounds like Nemesis leftovers to me.
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Bought on release day. Following Elysium and then Nemesis i personally find Eternal to be a bit of a let down. Maybe more listens will change my mind.
On a positive note on my first listen the synth sounds made me think of Rocky IV in places so i ended up watching that and that rocked.
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Yeah, is not what I was expecting either..
I do like these songs though: My Eternal Dream, Lost Without a Trace, Feeding the Fire, Man in the Mirror and The Lost Saga.. But, again, they're only good.. Not what I was expecting after Nemesis..
I'd say that the album is on the same level that Cain's Offering's Stormcrow.. And that shouldn't happen...
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:bump:
Stratovarius played Episode in full at 6 shows in Finland recently, and I attended one of them. Here's my report! (https://www.musicalypse.net/stratovarius-w-thunderstone-pakkahuone-tampere-19-11-2016/)
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Cool report man. Interesting they didn't play the album in order. I'm also one of those that question playing a full Tolkki era album without him since their new stuff is strong enough, but it's a classic album under the Strato name I suppose.
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:omg:
Wow.. Surprised and glad they're playing what I think is Strato's best album to date (And I say "to date" because I feel they can do now with a more mature Matias a better album than that masterpiece)..
I just noticed they played with Tarja earlier this year too!... She sung with Timo in the song Forever, precisely a song from Episode.. :laugh:
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Cool to see they played the whole album. It's usually tied with Visions as my favourite Stratovarius album.
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Like most Strato albums of that era I love the songs where they slow down from the double kick marathons and show some real power. Eternity and Uncertainty are among my favourite power metal songs from that time.
I have a soft spot for my first Strato album (Fourth Dimension) but Episode is right up there with their best. Cool to see them doing this IMO.
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Cool report man. Interesting they didn't play the album in order. I'm also one of those that question playing a full Tolkki era album without him since their new stuff is strong enough, but it's a classic album under the Strato name I suppose.
When I realized they were not doing the album in the correct order I thought it was pretty lame, but at least they nailed all the songs, so it was justified. Looks like they didn't play Visions from start to finish either: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/stratovarius/2014/lutakko-jyvaskyla-finland-7bcca674.html
Like most Strato albums of that era I love the songs where they slow down from the double kick marathons and show some real power. Eternity and Uncertainty are among my favourite power metal songs from that time.
Yeah, now that I don't really listen to power metal anymore, I find myself appreciating the slower songs a lot more.
I have no idea if there are gonna be more Episode shows in other countries - maybe they were testing the waters with this mini-tour? On the other hand, the Visions tour 2 years ago was pretty short too, and now that 2016 is coming to an end, the 20th anniversary gimmick wouldn't work next year.
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Never listened to them. I decided why not buy the live album Visions of Europe, which I like doing to hear them live better than a studio. Anyways, that was a fantastic idea.
These guys are pretty great. Forever is a lovely ballad(for some reason I've been getting into lately).
Too bad it didn't have a DVD of the show.
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Never listened to them. I decided why not buy the live album Visions of Europe, which I like doing to hear them live better than a studio. Anyways, that was a fantastic idea.
These guys are pretty great. Forever is a lovely ballad(for some reason I've been getting into lately).
Too bad it didn't have a DVD of the show.
That's great!.. And yes, it'd be awesome if they would've film those shows because they're indeed amazing..
Small coincidence, because my brother and I were just yesterday listening to some studio songs of Visions and remembering how we actually first got to know that album through VoE.. We would always listen to that live album instead of searching for the studio versions, and when we finally did it they sounded all too cold and like robotic in some way.. Specially due to the sound effects, added vocals and slower tempo.. A very logical thing to happen I guess..
Still, an excellent album and excellent band.. You have a lot to listen and enjoy of them yet.. :metal
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I got bored and forced myself to rank every album from my favorite band. EDIT: I picked 2 songs per album because 1 was just too hard :biggrin: Best to
worst least favorite album:
1. Episode (Father Time / When the Night Meets the Day)
2. Visions (Black Diamond / Paradise)
3. Eternal (My Eternal Dream / Man In The Mirror)
4. Destiny (4000 Rainy Nights / S.O.S.)
5. Infinite (Phoenix / Hunting High and Low)
6. Nemesis (Castles In The Air / Halcyon Days)
7. Elysium (Elysium / Move the Mountain)
8. Elements Part 1 (Find Your Own Voice / Learning To Fly)
9. Elements Part 2 (I'm Still Alive / I Walk To My Own Song)
10. Polaris (Forever Is Today / When Mountains Fall)
11. Fourth Dimension (Against the Wind / Distant Skies)
12. Twilight Time (Out of the Shadows / The Hands of Time)
13. Stratovarius (Fight!!! / Maniac Dance)
14. Dreamspace (Eyes of the World / Chasing Shadows)
15. Fright Night (Night Screamer / Fire Dance)
I don't often listen to the last 5 on the list, just choice songs, but I still like them - even Fright Night in all its strange, low production quality majesty. Also just need Fright Night to complete my collection of their (studio) recordings but I don't really feel like paying more than a few dollars for it - it's an extremely rare but poorly produced and frankly forgettable album, much as I find it charming I don't want to pay much for it.
https://s26.postimg.org/gwas51tzr/21743441_10214180094999303_123694225672959997_o.jpg
EDIT: lol, okay, I think I got it all right now :)
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I'm very surprised that Polaris and Fourth dimension are below the Elements albums. But it's also nice to see the new era Stratovarius being ranked fairly high.
I've never heard the first three albums. I still don't know if it's worth it. :lol
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Destiny is their forgotten gem for me. Their best? no, but it has that melanchonic and brooding atmosphere that's perfect and that was not present on any of the other albums.
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I do not know every Stratovarius album, but definitly Infinite is my favourite from which I've heard. Does Stratovarius even exist? It's been quite a silence from them as far as I know...
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Stratovarius are very quiet guys. Eternal's announcement pretty much came at the last minute. Hell, they're so laid back Timo Kotipelto had to come out and clarify that yes, he thinks Eternal is a great album, because he was interviewed a few weeks prior to its release and didn't want to overhype things so he just said something along the lines of, "Yeah it's a cool album" :lol They're extremely reserved, believe it or not...
I'm very surprised that Polaris and Fourth dimension are below the Elements albums. But it's also nice to see the new era Stratovarius being ranked fairly high.
I've never heard the first three albums. I still don't know if it's worth it. :lol
I had a hard time figuring out where to place those but honestly those two pairs of albums could've easily been switched with one another. I actually think the string of albums from Polaris to Eternal can just about go toe to toe with the run from Episode to Infinite. Maybe not as many classics, but a lot more variety and perfect execution of ideas. Also Elysium is the single best song they've ever written imo, and Move the Mountain is the best ballad (right behind 4000 Rainy Nights, and yes, ahead of Forever).
I highly suggest you at least go get Twilight Time. Out of the Shadows is one of the best songs the band's ever done, I think, the melody just brings a tear to my eye quite often. Tolkki's voice isn't trained so it has lots of flaws and isn't for everyone but lots of people love TT and Dreamspace. The debut is pretty forgettable, not really worth checking out unless you're a diehard fan at this point, or just really curious.
Love this band to death.
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I usually go back and revisit their stuff when a new album gets released, so I might actually finally check out the first three once some news about an upcoming release roll into town. Elysium is also my favorite Stratovarius song overall, and yes, the streak of the last four albums is truly impressive.
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I usually go back and revisit their stuff when a new album gets released, so I might actually finally check out the first three once some news about an upcoming release roll into town. Elysium is also my favorite Stratovarius song overall, and yes, the streak of the last four albums is truly impressive.
I apologize for not reading through the 18 pages of the thread so far, but what do you think of the albums since their comeback? Nemesis was a bit experimental but in a great way, I think - Castles In The Air and Halcyon Days are awesome, love that fusion/jazzy vibe to Castles and the electronic stuff in Halcyon. I'm not sure if anybody else here is as crazy fanatical about this band so forgive me if I'm a bit excited to talk to people about it. Living in a rural area in the USA, it's very rare I get to nerd about Stratovarius outside of their Facebook. :)
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Elements Pt1 was actually always my fav for years. I'm not sure if it still would be though.
Destiny is their forgotten gem for me. Their best? no, but it has that melanchonic and brooding atmosphere that's perfect and that was not present on any of the other albums.
Agree. This actually crept up on me about a year ago. I never realised how brilliant it is until then, but it's made its way into my top 3 I'd say.
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I apologize for not reading through the 18 pages of the thread so far, but what do you think of the albums since their comeback?
I thought Polaris was great back in the day, but then they surpassed it with Elysium. My mind was blown with that album, I might even go out on a limb to call it my favorite album by the band. Nemesis had some great songs and I did enjoy its experimental nature and electronic influences, but there are several songs I didn't care for that drag the album down. Eternal was consistently good but with only a few tracks that really excited me - Feeding the fire was certainly a highlight for me.
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I usually go back and revisit their stuff when a new album gets released, so I might actually finally check out the first three once some news about an upcoming release roll into town. Elysium is also my favorite Stratovarius song overall, and yes, the streak of the last four albums is truly impressive.
I apologize for not reading through the 18 pages of the thread so far, but what do you think of the albums since their comeback? Nemesis was a bit experimental but in a great way, I think - Castles In The Air and Halcyon Days are awesome, love that fusion/jazzy vibe to Castles and the electronic stuff in Halcyon. I'm not sure if anybody else here is as crazy fanatical about this band so forgive me if I'm a bit excited to talk to people about it. Living in a rural area in the USA, it's very rare I get to nerd about Stratovarius outside of their Facebook. :)
Elysium and Eternal are amazing and could both be top 5. Polaris and Nemesis are hit and miss for me. I never got the love for Nemesis on a whole but there is some amazing tunes on there.
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The run of Episode, Visions (!!!), Destiny and Infinite is incredible. After that, these guys fell off my radar. The Elements albums weren't my thing at all and I never cared for the self titled and Tolkki's meltdown. By the time Polaris came out, I wasn't listening to much power metal.
I did buy Nemesis a few years ago after hearing a few songs and really like that album. But they'll never come close to reaching Visions in my mind - that album was one of my first power metal albums that I got back in the late 90's, and every single song is awesome.
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The run from Episode to Infinite really is incredible. Even though Tolkki kind of ripped off his own songs many times, they still turned out to be classics. And Jorg's drum sound, especially on Infinite, is HUGE!! I've never heard a more massive drum sound - particularly on the song Infinity. I would love to hear that blasted on a high end system. Will have to settle for my soundbar at home. :P
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I often forget that streak consists of four albums. They're so similar that they kind of blend together for me. ;D
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Tolkki does reference a lot of previous songs on successive albums, unintentionally or not, I'm not sure, but it's there. Just last night I was listening to Elements (the song) for the first time in a long time and there is a good chunk of it that sounds exactly like Mother Gaia on Infinite. Forever Free on Visions seems like a copy of Tomorrow from Episode. There are quite a few others. Not that it's a bad thing, but it definitely becomes apparent after a while
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Tolkki does reference a lot of previous songs on successive albums, unintentionally or not, I'm not sure, but it's there. Just last night I was listening to Elements (the song) for the first time in a long time and there is a good chunk of it that sounds exactly like Mother Gaia on Infinite. Forever Free on Visions seems like a copy of Tomorrow from Episode. There are quite a few others. Not that it's a bad thing, but it definitely becomes apparent after a while
They are everywhere. For instance, I'm Still Alive is another copy of Forever Free and there's plenty more, over his other projects too.
Listen to the track Revolution Renaissance and then listen to Soul of A Vagabond and try not to laugh your ass off.
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I'm not familiar with this band. Where's a good place to start as far as albums? Also, do they have any live concert releases?? That's what sold me on Nightwish, their Vehicle of Spirit dvd's. Awesome!
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I'm not familiar with this band. Where's a good place to start as far as albums? Also, do they have any live concert releases?? That's what sold me on Nightwish, their Vehicle of Spirit dvd's. Awesome!
Go straight for the classic albums, universally acclaimed by fans of the band: Visions, and Episode. If you're in for something more introspective, moody and melanchonic, check Destiny as well.
A live album that captures well the energy of the golden era is Visions of Europe, the sound is very bombastic on this one!
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Visions was my first album as well and remains my favorite.
Not sure if they have a live DVD (I think they do, from more recent times), but MirrorMask is right. The live album from the Visions tour is fantastic, and a good live "hits" package of their classic era (minus the two albums that came afterwards - Destiny and Infinite).
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I'm not familiar with this band. Where's a good place to start as far as albums? Also, do they have any live concert releases?? That's what sold me on Nightwish, their Vehicle of Spirit dvd's. Awesome!
My first album from Stratovarius was Infinite, ans I think it's a good start if You want to get into the band. No fillers, great melodies, very solid album...well, maybe Celestial Dream is not so awesome ;) but it's a last song on Infinte so You don't have to listen to it ;)
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For a first album, you can't go wrong with either Episode or Visions, by far the two most acclaimed albums amongst fans. Destiny is also an excellent starting place. Those three albums are essentially the holy trinity of Stratovarius's discography.
Personally, I say check Episode first, then Visions, then Destiny - chronologically, that's 1996, 1997, and 1998, so one for each year. You'll hear quite a few of their hits just on Episode and even more on Visions, and several on Destiny.
Infinite is also a great album to start with although it is certainly derivative of the three albums mentioned above, which came before Infinite. But it's still an amazing album with lots of great songs (Phoenix, Hunting High and Low are two of their biggest songs).
Enjoy, I hope you like them!
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Visions was my first album as well and remains my favorite.
Not sure if they have a live DVD (I think they do, from more recent times), but MirrorMask is right. The live album from the Visions tour is fantastic, and a good live "hits" package of their classic era (minus the two albums that came afterwards - Destiny and Infinite).
Yeah, Infinite Visions is a pretty good release. There's a live DVD from several years ago but because it's so many years removed from their biggest hits, Timo's voice isn't all that great (my opinion) and it's not a good place to start with...
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Thanks everyone! I'm always on the lookout for new music to listen to. I've fallen behind on so much good stuff.
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Timo's voice tends to make or break the band for a lot of people. I'd go listen to songs like Father Time, Black Diamond, and Speed of Light to see what you think. Those are three of their biggest hits so you'll get an idea really fast if you'll like them or not.
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https://s26.postimg.org/gwas51tzr/21743441_10214180094999303_123694225672959997_o.jpg
Wow, that's awesome!.. Congrats..
I think I only have the only one that it's not there: Intermission.. The album is often not counted as a regular studio album (well, is actually a special album) since it has a few covers and a live song, BUT the album actually has 7 original songs and other 4 already released as bonus tracks in previous albums... and between them are two of my very favorites, Will My Soul Ever Rest in Peace? and The Curtains are Falling.. Not need to mention the underrated these songs and the whole album are..
PS: what's the album between "Stratovarius" and "Polaris"?..
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https://s26.postimg.org/gwas51tzr/21743441_10214180094999303_123694225672959997_o.jpg
Wow, that's awesome!.. Congrats..
I think I only have the only one that it's not there: Intermission.. The album is often not counted as a regular studio album (well, is actually a special album) since it has a few covers and a live song, BUT the album actually has 7 original songs and other 4 already released as bonus tracks in previous albums... and between them are two of my very favorites, Will My Soul Ever Rest in Peace? and The Curtains are Falling.. Not need to mention the underrated these songs and the whole album are..
PS: what's the album between "Stratovarius" and "Polaris"?..
Thank you! I'm envious of you for having Intermission, it's one I've always wanted but have always put off in favor of buying, well, other albums ;) I also need to get the Elements reissues, and last year's Best Of release, and the new remasters, and the other live albums, and...
The one between the self-titled and Polaris in the bottom left is the original digipak release of Polaris. I got the other, more visible copy from a friend who didn't enjoy it. The digipak is really shiny though and I couldn't get a decent shot of it no matter how I tried. That particular copy actually went through a huge car wreck in 2009 about 1 week after meeting the band, and skips on over half the songs, so I'm glad my friend gave me the other copy :) Just can't bear to part with it though. It smelled like gasoline for a couple years...
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Here's my collection, the two Elements have bonus discs of demo's. Infinite has a bonus disc of 2 songs and extra booklet and stickers.
(https://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm308/gazinwales/Strato%201.jpg) (https://s299.photobucket.com/user/gazinwales/media/Strato%201.jpg.html)
(https://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm308/gazinwales/Strato%202.jpg) (https://s299.photobucket.com/user/gazinwales/media/Strato%202.jpg.html)
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Hey gazinwales - can't see the photos. I wanna see the collection! :)
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They were up yesterday, looks as though big brother has edited my post.
Here you go;
https://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm308/gazinwales/Strato%202.jpg
https://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm308/gazinwales/Strato%201.jpg
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Timo's voice tends to make or break the band for a lot of people. I'd go listen to songs like Father Time, Black Diamond, and Speed of Light to see what you think. Those are three of their biggest hits so you'll get an idea really fast if you'll like them or not.
Just listened to Black Diamond, I thought the vocals sounded great! Sounds like a band worth exploring their catalogue. :tup
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Bump! Very late replying to this. That's a hell of a collection gaz :biggrin:
Check out the artwork for the newly announced 'Enigma: Intermission II" album. Releases September 28th. Gorgeous art as always! I wonder if 'Until The End of Days' will be on this? I hope so, it would make it feel more complete (the idea of only having UTEOD stuck on a greatest hits collection just irks me, rather than a disc full of bonus/rare material).
And apparently we're getting a brand new 'real/main' studio album next year. They keep on keepin' on :)
(https://s15.postimg.cc/k79szx1p7/38071990_10217628243124274_7517513745321426944_n.jpg)
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I wonder what will be on this one. Definite purchase. Wonderful artwork.
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I wonder what will be on this one. Definite purchase. Wonderful artwork.
The band says 3 new songs, 4 orchestral versions, and some rare bonus material.
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I wonder what will be on this one. Definite purchase. Wonderful artwork.
The band says 3 new songs, 4 orchestral versions, and some rare bonus material.
I kind of don't like new songs on compilations like this, kind of like what Kattoelox said with UTEOD just feels wrong on the greatest hits. I always feel new material needs to have a home on an album. This is somewhat much more acceptable for new songs, and I guess 3 new songs would get fans much more interested than just orchestral and bonus stuff that they could mostly get already.
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I wonder what will be on this one. Definite purchase. Wonderful artwork.
The band says 3 new songs, 4 orchestral versions, and some rare bonus material.
I kind of don't like new songs on compilations like this, kind of like what Kattoelox said with UTEOD just feels wrong on the greatest hits. I always feel new material needs to have a home on an album. This is somewhat much more acceptable for new songs, and I guess 3 new songs would get fans much more interested than just orchestral and bonus stuff that they could mostly get already.
I agree, although for me personally, it gets a pass for two big reasons: it's under the Intermission label, and we're still getting a new album next year anyway. Since the first Intermission was covers, unreleased tracks and bonus tracks, I think it works well. TBH I've been thinking for years about what a potential second Intermission would look like, bundling all the bonus tracks from the last 4 albums + demos/unreleased songs, so this is awesome to me. :biggrin: I do hope UTEOD is thrown in here too, however.
I'm crossing my fingers for the next studio album. They haven't had one dud since Matias gave new life to the band, but Shine In The Dark on the last album doesn't sit quite well with me. The chorus melody is awkward and should've been a Cain's Offering track, but that's the most negative I can be about that album, which says a lot. Hope #5 continues the magic.
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Intermission was a nice compilation of rare and unusual stuff and some songs were actually pretty good and not at all leftovers. Miles above the mandatory "bonus disc with instrumental versions" that is so in vogue today.
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Some of the post Intermission bonus tracks have already been re-issued on the Elements 4 disc compilation set.
The rest would almost be a double CD set with many live, demo's and Japan bonus tracks from the 7 albums released since Intermission.
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I wonder what will be on this one. Definite purchase. Wonderful artwork.
The band says 3 new songs, 4 orchestral versions, and some rare bonus material.
I kind of don't like new songs on compilations like this, kind of like what Kattoelox said with UTEOD just feels wrong on the greatest hits. I always feel new material needs to have a home on an album. This is somewhat much more acceptable for new songs, and I guess 3 new songs would get fans much more interested than just orchestral and bonus stuff that they could mostly get already.
I agree, although for me personally, it gets a pass for two big reasons: it's under the Intermission label, and we're still getting a new album next year anyway. Since the first Intermission was covers, unreleased tracks and bonus tracks, I think it works well. TBH I've been thinking for years about what a potential second Intermission would look like, bundling all the bonus tracks from the last 4 albums + demos/unreleased songs, so this is awesome to me. :biggrin: I do hope UTEOD is thrown in here too, however.
I'm crossing my fingers for the next studio album. They haven't had one dud since Matias gave new life to the band, but Shine In The Dark on the last album doesn't sit quite well with me. The chorus melody is awkward and should've been a Cain's Offering track, but that's the most negative I can be about that album, which says a lot. Hope #5 continues the magic.
Elysium is my fav Mattias album, but Eternal is almost just as good. Brilliant album. Looking forward to the next one.
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For me Nemesis is clearly the best one of the Matias-era.. I don't get tired of listen to it.. So energy, powah!..
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Nemesis in my opinion has some of the best moments of post-Tolkkivarius, no contest. They introduce a lot of new elements that work very well, I think, while retaining that poppier side of their sound and just polishing the hell out of it. Unbreakable and Halcyon Days are good examples of them sticking to their sound while adding new elements. Fantasy and Abandon are straight to the point anthems. Castles In The Air has that lovely fusion influence especially in the solo, and the riff and chorus are killer. There are three oddball tracks that don't do as much for me - One Must Fall, Stand My Ground, and Out of the Fog - but they're still good. I think it's one of the darker Stratovarius albums, possibly the darkest.
Eternal on the other hand almost shimmers with happiness and positivity. My Eternal Dream is one of the best songs they've done since the late 90s and is better than most power metal bands' entire catalogs. Shine in the Dark, again, is a bit too Cain's Offering for me at times (I love CO, but mainly the super fast songs, not the ones like this) but I still like it. Lost Without A Trace almost sounds like it could've been an Elysium track.
Great bonus songs on both by the way. Fireborn, Giants, man this band just kills it every time.
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Nemesis for me too, very strong album and some killer bonus tracks, the Japan ones were far too good to be just for that market.
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Out of the Fog is an awesome track! :metal
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Out of the Fog is an awesome track! :metal
Album art tends to impact how I envision songs. Nemesis has this very 'orange' flavor to it, a lot of the imagery to me reminds me of spring/summer storms in the evening when the sun comes out after it rains and everything's got this orange/greenish vibe. Out of the Fog really makes me feel that way, kind of a dirty orange feeling. Just played part of it, it's a great song. :2metal:
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Nemesis is easily my favorite album of theirs. While Elysium is my favorite song of theirs, the rest of that album isn't as strong.
I was pretty underwhelmed with Eternal, never really got into it while the album before it was a masterpiece to me. I still listen to the closing song "The Lost Saga" regularly, but not much of the rest of the album.
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Nemesis is easily my favorite album of theirs. While Elysium is my favorite song of theirs, the rest of that album isn't as strong.
I was pretty underwhelmed with Eternal, never really got into it while the album before it was a masterpiece to me. I still listen to the closing song "The Lost Saga" regularly, but not much of the rest of the album.
Agreed 100%, as long as we're talking about Matias-era, and not the whole Strato's discography..
My favorite Strato power metal album still is Episode, and my fav song Season of Change.. But Nemesis the album and Elysium the song are up there in their respective tops 5 without a doubt..
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Nemesis is easily my favorite album of theirs. While Elysium is my favorite song of theirs, the rest of that album isn't as strong.
I was pretty underwhelmed with Eternal, never really got into it while the album before it was a masterpiece to me. I still listen to the closing song "The Lost Saga" regularly, but not much of the rest of the album.
Agreed 100%, as long as we're talking about Matias-era, and not the whole Strato's discography..
My favorite Strato power metal album still is Episode, and my fav song Season of Change.. But Nemesis the album and Elysium the song are up there in their respective tops 5 without a doubt..
Great pick. Episode is my favorite metal album of all time, and my #2 album of all time from any musician out there. Season of Change is just... whew. Man. Those lyrics at the end make me feel ways.
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:metal :heart
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Episode is great, but my favorite has always been Visions. It was the first Stratovarius record that I'd ever purchased and one of the first power metal albums that I had ever owned. From the intro of Kiss of Judas (still my favorite song of theirs), it's just classic song after classic song.
I still play the crap out of that record, 20 years after getting it.
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I hear footsteps closing in...
:2metal:
Visions is such an amazing record, I don't fault anyone who has it as their favorite. I could take or leave Before the Winter and The Abyss of Your Eyes but they're still good songs, it's just that the rest of them are so high tier power metal. Black Diamond pretty much changed my life, no exaggeration; when I heard that as a kid, it was game over. Went down the power metal road after that.
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From Facebook:
The new album "Enigma: Intermission II" will be out on 28.09.2018
Preorder now ► https://stratovarius.lnk.to/EnigmaIntermissionIIPR
Track list:
1. Enigma (BRAND NEW STUDIO SONG - recorded 2018)
2. Hunter†
3. Hallowed††
4. Burn Me Down (BRAND NEW STUDIO SONG - recorded 2018)
5. Last Shore††
6. Kill It With Fire*
7. Oblivion (BRAND NEW STUDIO SONG - recorded 2018)
8. Second Sight*
9. Fireborn†
10. Giants*
11. Castaway*
12. Old Man And The Sea††
BRAND NEW ORCHESTRAL VERSIONS (all recorded 2018)
13. Fantasy
14. Shine in the Dark
15. Unbreakable
16. Winter Skies
*previously unreleased in Europe
†rare bonus track
†† rare bonus track – for the first time on CD
The official song stream video for “Oblivion” is now available on earMUSIC’s official YouTube Channel: ► https://youtu.be/WYph9C5lTqQ
“Oblivion” is also available to stream and download:
► https://stratovarius.lnk.to/OblivionPR
Me being obsessed, I've already heard all the bonus tracks, but it's nice to finally have confirmation they'll all be together. Fireborn and Giants together? :2metal: Stoked as heck for those orchestral versions - I bet Fantasy and Winter Skies are just magical. September will be an awesome month!
Oblivion both does and doesn't sound like Stratovarius - it sounds like the modern era for sure. Can't wait to hear Enigma and Burn Me Down :)
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:o
Can't wait to listen to this!!..
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A few of those songs I haven't heard so with the new tracks, looks like a solid release.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtSjxL2hvQ4
<< “Unbreakable (Orchestral Version)”, the second song from Stratovarius’ upcoming release “ENIGMA: Intermission 2”, sees its premiere today. Accompanied by a lyric video, it is the first time fans are able to hear a Stratovarius classic in orchestral style. With the album version being one of most streamed songs in the band’s history, the inventive orchestral version highlights the band’s talent for epic melodies and fine harmonies. >>
:metal
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Man, Timo sounds good there. The orchestra is beautiful too. Wow, this is good stuff. :biggrin:
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Listening to Enigma now. Oh, man, are these orchestral versions tasty. Wow. They did such a good job with these. Kind of sad they chose Shine In The Dark from Eternal instead of another song, and they chose 2 Nemesis songs instead of including 1 from Elysium, but still. Fantasy is so damn good. The bonus tracks of course are great, the 1-2 combo of Fireborn and Giants is great stuff.
Gonna pick this up on vinyl too because it's such gorgeous artwork.
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Today's the day!.. Can't wait to hear it.. :caffeine:
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Bump
Started following Tolkki on Facebook, he posts some interesting stuff and replies to a few comments.
He is up and down with his (sometimes crazy/unusual) comments and mood, I would hazard a guess it's to do with his medication.
Anyway I started to catch up with all the Avalon albums and other Tolkki releases I have passed over the last few years.
But I had to go back to his golden years with Stratovarius first, Destiny sounds great, love the production and great sounds on this album.
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I can't tell, but am I the only one who really likes the Elements albums?
Obviously a few of the songs are pretty bad, and they could have used some autotune here and there, but a lot of the albums, i think, are fantastic. Some of the early Strato stuff all sounds way too similar to me, and Elements was a nice break.
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I could go on and on about Elements. Overall they're great power metal albums that occasionally go into some extremely cheesy waters even for me and Tolkki pushed Kotipelto to his absolute limits but hell just look at my signature, it's a quote from Find Your Own Voice, I love the vocal melodies and lyrics on these. Incredible songs on those records. Not in my top favorites by the band but it's close for sure. Most of the songs are classics.
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Yes I am also very fond of both Elements albums, though I do think they could have been trimmed down to a single album 12 or so absolute killer songs.
The 2014 reissue with both Elements albums in 5.1 is also very nice.
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The Elements albums are also pretty widely respected in the Strato catalogue from all I've discerned throughout the years online. Not a unanimous favorite but definitely up there and highly praised. They don't get talked about enough these days imo. I think the Tolkki drama debacle of '03-04 kinda overshadowed those albums in the long run.
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One thing about those albums and many others, was Tolkki's production, they sound so good sonically TT was a very underrated producer.
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One thing about those albums and many others, was Tolkki's production, they sound so good sonically TT was a very underrated producer.
Completely agree gaz. He gave some insight into his production methods years ago when he released a book called Loneliness of a Thousand Years (kind of a bizarre read honestly; his story behind Black Diamond is somehow both obvious and kind of baffling). I was especially interested in how he was able to create such an enormous drum sound in the 90s starting with Episode, which involved actually using some drum samples mixed in with the real drums. The sound of the drums on those late 90s Strato albums up through the Elements albums is probably my favorite drum sound ever. But also everything else still has plenty of room to breathe, and everything hits you like a hammer. Songs like Fantasia and Elements really stand out that way.
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I can't tell, but am I the only one who really likes the Elements albums?
Obviously a few of the songs are pretty bad, and they could have used some autotune here and there, but a lot of the albums, i think, are fantastic. Some of the early Strato stuff all sounds way too similar to me, and Elements was a nice break.
For a long time, Elements Part 1 was my favourite Strato album. Not sure about now though.
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Yeah those drums sounds amazing, very powerful, specially on Infinite.
One thing that most power metal albums are lacking, the drums in most modern albums are so buried, that are almost inaudible.
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Had a good listen to Elements 2 on the bus today, while it is a strong album, I think it falls just short of part 1.
Also read Jens extensive comments in the booklet for the Elements Complete edition release.
Turns out that there were 23 songs written for Elements, 21 of which were recorded and released.
Two songs were abandoned leaving 9 songs on each album and 3 bonus tracks.
As usual with the Tolkki era albums, the bonus tracks were written by the other bands members (Jens/Kotipelto)
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Speaking of Tollki, I've read that he's gonna tour latin America playing old Strato songs.
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Yeah he posted on FB that he is going to be doing a classic Stratovarius set list tour of South America.
He also just posted today that he has a label to release his forthcoming solo album.
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Had a good listen to Elements 2 on the bus today, while it is a strong album, I think it falls just short of part 1.
Also read Jens extensive comments in the booklet for the Elements Complete edition release.
Turns out that there were 23 songs written for Elements, 21 of which were recorded and released.
Two songs were abandoned leaving 9 songs on each album and 3 bonus tracks.
As usual with the Tolkki era albums, the bonus tracks were written by the other bands members (Jens/Kotipelto)
Part 1 is miles better than part 2 IMO.
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Over the last few months, I've been listening to power metal more than I usually do. I've also been enjoying watching a lot of concert DVD's, so I figured I should look into some Stratovarius. I found a bootleg TV rip of a show from the Destiny era, which is awesome. Amazon had the Under Flaming Winter Skies DVD for $12, so I had to get it for that price.
Just flipped through it - the video looks killer for being just a DVD (the blu-ray was $22 or something). The band is kicking ass, it's one of Jorg's final shows, and they play about 6 songs from Visions and 2 from Episode. I wish they had one or two from Destiny, instead of 2 cover songs. Either way, this is a fantastic show.
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Watching it on youtube now..
Kotipelto's voice is way less annoying on this live release.
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Yeah it is a great show, Jorg is sounding great and alas sadly missed since he left.
Kotipelto also sounds great because he is singing more in his natural range and not being 'forced' (by Tolkki) to sign too high and out of his range.
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Because of that, I'd actually buy this CD, where I could never get myself to buy any of their albums.
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That is interesting because I think he sounds poor on it...
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I'd have to check but I think they play the older stuff in much lower tunings obviously for Timo.
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I'd have to check but I think they play the older stuff in much lower tunings obviously for Timo.
Not much lower but tuned down slightly yeah. Also the covers were Jorg's picks; the band never does covers, but he wanted to play them for his farewell.
I just think the album was made far too late, well past Koti's prime but the setlist doesn't reflect where his voice is at these days because Strato gotta play a bunch of their earlier stuff...
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I actually think that Kotipelto sounds the best he has in a long time on the two Cain's Offering albums.
https://youtu.be/0-3PM2FF_eU
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Oh no doubt. On the records he sounds amazing. But live (just IMO) I don't think he's been very good for a very, very long time. I often refer to the Hiroshima show of 2003 as "peak Timo" when he actually managed to pull off Find Your Own Voice live. :P Tolkki just pushed the man way too hard for way too long and their setlists haven't had enough of the newer stuff to give him a big break from the inhumanly high vocals he struggled with live even when he was younger. But I do love the tone of his voice and his accent. I'm glad people are enjoying UFWS!
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I was watching the Infinite Visions DVD on YT and boy Kotipelto appears to struggle live.
Even in the old days he wasn't great on this evidence, though the 3 times I have seen them live, he has always been pretty good.
Was listening to Element 1 yesterday, first time in a few years and it's a lot better than I remember.
Could be their most progressive release too, the production is fantastic.
Even the bonus disc of demo's blew me away with the sheer quality of sound.
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Never was a big fan of Kotipelto, even those high notes from back in the day sounded a bit silly to me. But I only got into the band in recent years. When I saw them in 2013, I thought it was a great concert and the vocals sounded good live. He does have a nice vibrato for the type of singer he is, a lot of metal singers push way too hard into and and have veeery wobbly vocals as a result(especially when they get older). Anyways, despite thinking the same about his vocals judging from live clips, actually seeing them was great and I enjoyed his vocals during that concert.
Buuut, I agree with gazinwales that his vocals are better with Cain's Offering, somehow the vocal melodies on both of their albums suit his voice better. And judging from youtube clips, this rings true for their live performances as well.
Seeing his thread pop up made me revisit Nemesis, which is simply a fantastic album.
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Yeah Nemesis is great, some really fantastic songwriting going on helped by a certain Jani Liimatainen on a few songs too.
Production is also great and for an album with a lot of songs and quite lengthy, not much filler.
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Nemesis is so awesome. OUT OF THE FOG! :metal
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http://bravewords.com/news/infinite-visions-former-stratovarius-guitarist-timo-tolkki-announces-vocalist-and-keyboardist-for-new-band?fbclid=IwAR2HXtuX8GBoQppAoyVi4GSy-Nqs5NRjx1edozcBFTGHSRDfQZYhGJ5wlBg
Guitarist Timo Tolkki (ex-Stratovarius) announces Jorge Segersbol (Ancestral Dawn, Pegasus) as vocalist and Jimmy Pitts (Eternity's End, Northtale) as keyboardist for his new band, Infinite Visions. They are joined by Alex Holzwarth (Rhapsody, Avantasia, Sieges Even) on drums.
The band is currently recording a 5-song demo to be presented to labels worldwide. Songs include "Dangerous", "Sonata Black", and "Voice Of Tomorrow".
Jorge recently recorded a medley of two Stratovarius songs, "Paradise" and "Before The Winter", to let fans hear what they can expect when Infinite Visions goes on tour and performs songs from throughout Timo Tolkki's career. Infinite Visions will not only play material from their upcoming debut album, but also Stratovarius classics, and tracks from Revolution Renaissance, Symfonia, and Avalon.
In what can only be described as "destiny", ten years ago Jorge recorded a cover of the Stratovarius gem "Black Diamond" with his previous band, Nautiluz. The Stratovarius material - along with two songs from his band Ancestral Dawn - can be heard below:
This is the first I've heard of this band....I think it's cool that Timo is going to play songs from all of his bands, including Stratovarius. I just hope that the band's original music leans towards the classic Stratovarius style, otherwise the band name is for naught. :)
The singer sounds very similar to Timo Kotipelto, which is awesome.
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Jimmy Pitts is my absolute favorite new musician in recent memory. He is the keyboardist for NorthTale who released their debut last year, and has a few other projects, including The Fractured Dimension (prog metal) and Eternity's End (blistering shreddy power metal). Although I am super skeptical of Tolkki being capable of doing, well, literally anything these days beyond basic communication with people, I can't deny I'm extremely interested at the prospect of Jimmy and Alex freaking Holzwarth playing with him.
Again, I don't expect Tolkki to actually accomplish this but I could be wrong. Last year was a real low point for him.
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Yeah, Tolkki is like... severely unwell. I can't find his last active Facebook profile now but the last I checked about a month ago he was absolutely melting down.
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Yeah, Tolkki is like... severely unwell. I can't find his last active Facebook profile now but the last I checked about a month ago he was absolutely melting down.
A couple months ago he DMed one of my friends and asked for her whatsapp. Tolkki is a married man, and my friend is about to be married. Before that he was advertising his whatsapp on Facebook and said "GIRLS ONLY" or something. And before that, last summer, he announced a new project with Timo Kotipelto and Rolf Pilve, and that he was signed, shared the announcement and everything, only for it to be completely scrubbed a couple hours later after Koti found out and was like "I don't know anything about this, WTF Timo?" :lol
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Yeah, Tolkki is like... severely unwell. I can't find his last active Facebook profile now but the last I checked about a month ago he was absolutely melting down.
A couple months ago he DMed one of my friends and asked for her whatsapp. Tolkki is a married man, and my friend is about to be married. Before that he was advertising his whatsapp on Facebook and said "GIRLS ONLY" or something. And before that, last summer, he announced a new project with Timo Kotipelto and Rolf Pilve, and that he was signed, shared the announcement and everything, only for it to be completely scrubbed a couple hours later after Koti found out and was like "I don't know anything about this, WTF Timo?" :lol
:facepalm:
And let's not forget the whole mexican debacle with him getting lost after a random singer that got a restraining order against him.... let's hope the music will help to keep him focused and concentrated!
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Yeah, Tolkki is like... severely unwell. I can't find his last active Facebook profile now but the last I checked about a month ago he was absolutely melting down.
A couple months ago he DMed one of my friends and asked for her whatsapp. Tolkki is a married man, and my friend is about to be married. Before that he was advertising his whatsapp on Facebook and said "GIRLS ONLY" or something. And before that, last summer, he announced a new project with Timo Kotipelto and Rolf Pilve, and that he was signed, shared the announcement and everything, only for it to be completely scrubbed a couple hours later after Koti found out and was like "I don't know anything about this, WTF Timo?" :lol
:facepalm:
And let's not forget the whole mexican debacle with him getting lost after a random singer that got a restraining order against him.... let's hope the music will help to keep him focused and concentrated!
:rollin And the time a South American fan won his famous 'Visions' guitar in a contest and Tolkki never sent it to him... you could write a book on this guy's antics since 2003.
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Wow. I don't follow him closely enough to have seen all of that. Maybe this project won't have any wheels after all. Hopefully it does.
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Well, he's managed to put out 7 records since leaving Stratovarius and put one out last year, so never say never... I just don't believe anything until it's done and ready to go :lol Again Jimmy + Holzwarth + Tolkki is a really exciting musical combo for me so I do hope this pans out...
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I love everything Tolkki has done. The one he did with Andre Matos was one of my favorites. Maybe he's a flawed person but he's a great songwriter.
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Well, it's not that he's flawed - he's ill. He's been diagnosed with a bipolar disorder. Sure he's on some kind of medication that keeps him in check, and also the music and whatever he does that he enjoys must help. I mean, it's natural that we all have a light chuckle at the idea of him promising a guitar and not sending it, or reading about whatever wacky thing he does like when he tried to shag a mexican singer, but let's not forget that he's ill.
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That's precisely why I would rather he stop focusing on music and just get well. The last few years have made me very concerned for his physical and mental health. :(
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Well, it's not that he's flawed - he's ill. He's been diagnosed with a bipolar disorder. Sure he's on some kind of medication that keeps him in check, and also the music and whatever he does that he enjoys must help. I mean, it's natural that we all have a light chuckle at the idea of him promising a guitar and not sending it, or reading about whatever wacky thing he does like when he tried to shag a mexican singer, but let's not forget that he's ill.
I don't know anything about his issues, I just love his music. Flawed, ill, whatever, not judging him in any way. I just wish him the best and hope for new music. I'm still disappointed that there was only one Symfonia album. Forevermore is a top 10 Tolkki and top 10 Matos track for me and the whole album is really good.
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I know nothing of this man, but thats a bit creepy with the girls thing but if he's mentally unstable, then that should be taken into account.
Anyway, I guess I didn't even realize there was a Stratovarius thread. Most of my discussion of them has been in the Progpower thread.
I now have Eternal, Nemesis, and Enigma: Intermission 2. Essentially most of the new stuff and the stuff that is with the current version of the band that I expect to be seeing at Progpower. Must say, I enjoy this more than the older stuff I've sampled. I also did get Nemesis on CD specifically to bring to PP for them to sign. :metal :metal
Also, the orchestral versions of the songs on Enigma are beautiful.
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Nice, cram. I'm going to pick up vinyls of Eternal and either Nemesis or Enigma to have the band sign, since all three of those records have the current lineup on them (well, most - I don't think they re-recorded Jorg's drums for some of the bonus tracks like Giants but I could be wrong, doesn't sound like Rolf playing them though). Since they'll probably have a 2 item limit I gotta choose. :( Or maybe I'll get all 3 and bring them just in case...
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The album he released last year was actually his best since the RR debut IMO. Didn't know he was still that unwell. Saying that, I couldn't really care less about this.
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Well, it's not that he's flawed - he's ill. He's been diagnosed with a bipolar disorder. Sure he's on some kind of medication that keeps him in check, and also the music and whatever he does that he enjoys must help. I mean, it's natural that we all have a light chuckle at the idea of him promising a guitar and not sending it, or reading about whatever wacky thing he does like when he tried to shag a mexican singer, but let's not forget that he's ill.
I don't know anything about his issues, I just love his music. Flawed, ill, whatever, not judging him in any way. I just wish him the best and hope for new music. I'm still disappointed that there was only one Symfonia album. Forevermore is a top 10 Tolkki and top 10 Matos track for me and the whole album is really good.
Huh, I always thought that album was absolute shit.
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Symfonia was a great record with supremely gifted members but the problem is the record was Stratovarius in every way but the name and the people behind it. Same old captain (Tolkki), same old ship (Tolkki's Stratovarius-style songwriting), completely new crew (Matos/Harkin/Kusch/Kainulainen). Production was iffy too. But I think it's a fantastic record - even if it does show Tolkki's flaws more than anything he'd done in 20 years outside of Revolution Renaissance... kind of revealed a lot, honestly.
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I have never followed the person, but last year I enjoyed Avalon's Return to Eden quite a bit and I recall the album reviewing well (unlike the other Avalon albums). I was there for Anneke initially (she sings two good songs on the album).
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I know nothing of this man, but thats a bit creepy with the girls thing but if he's mentally unstable, then that should be taken into account.
To be fair, he isn't married anymore, so he's just shooting his shot. Shots. A lot of them. But yeah the way he was going about live streaming on Facebook while drinking and asking for girls' numbers wasn't great. I hope this new project gives him something to do and a reason to take meds and abstain from drinking.
This was all public on Facebook on his public profile, it's not gossip or anything. Just, it be how it be, he broadcasted all of that.
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Wait, when did he get divorced? I thought just last year he was posting about his wife traveling to her father's funeral.
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He was writing comments back and forth on a lot of these statuses with people about how his wife left him. I think it made it into Czech tabloids as well, or at least that's what the commenters claimed. The silver lining of him sending weird messages, at least he's single enough to send them!
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Oh jeeze... sigh, Tolkki... I hope he takes care of himself. All last year I feared waking up one day to a headline about Tolkki passing away, and I still do. His physical and mental health + that + having little connection to the thing that defined his whole being as a musician has me really worried. :(
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Oh jeeze... sigh, Tolkki... I hope he takes care of himself. All last year I feared waking up one day to a headline about Tolkki passing away, and I still do. His physical and mental health + that + having little connection to the thing that defined his whole being as a musician has me really worried. :(
Do you know him or something?
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I follow him on Facebook and exchange messages with him on the odd occasion. I've also had conversations with him elsewhere. He's a good guy... he just has lots of problems.
He's also one of my biggest influences ever, music or otherwise, so his wellbeing means a lot to me.
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I follow him on Facebook and exchange messages with him on the odd occasion. I've also had conversations with him elsewhere. He's a good guy... he just has lots of problems.
He's also one of my biggest influences ever, music or otherwise, so his wellbeing means a lot to me.
Yeah fair enough. I remember when the band split and then he was getting that female singer to sing for them, Kat I think her name was. Damn, experiencing that when it happened was absolulte crazy lol.
Also, the song Father, might be the most disturbing song I've ever heard in my life.
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I follow him on Facebook and exchange messages with him on the odd occasion. I've also had conversations with him elsewhere. He's a good guy... he just has lots of problems.
He's also one of my biggest influences ever, music or otherwise, so his wellbeing means a lot to me.
Yeah fair enough. I remember when the band split and then he was getting that female singer to sing for them, Kat I think her name was.
Short for Kattelox? :neverusethis:
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Anyone remember The Great Kat ? :rollin
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Anyone remember The Great Kat ? :rollin
I remember you bringing her up. Can't say I checked out any of her work.
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She was Miss K and she was never intended to seriously replace Kotipelto.
It was also all a bit confusing because the publicity stunt was planned, but at the same time Timo got for real a nervous breakdown, so it's kinda hard to pinpoint the exact moment when the jokes ended, and the madness began.
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Anyone remember The Great Kat ? :rollin
I remember you bringing her up. Can't say I checked out any of her work.
You don't know what you're missing :laugh:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_hn7HKHbDs
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One of my friends on FB asked me about the 'legendary' Stratovarius 2007 demo that became Tolkki's Revolution Renaissance debut.
Anyhow I couldn't find the files anywhere on my various HHD and computers so I tracked them down online again.
My point being these sound almost Infinite/Elements quality production wise, far too good to be just demo's and I like them better than the official RR release.
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She was Miss K and she was never intended to seriously replace Kotipelto.
It was also all a bit confusing because the publicity stunt was planned, but at the same time Timo got for real a nervous breakdown, so it's kinda hard to pinpoint the exact moment when the jokes ended, and the madness began.
Miss K, that's right. Yeah, at first with the pics of her released it was all a bit of a laugh, then Tolkki just went crazy. Ended up making the whole thing pretty unreal to be honest.
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Anyone remember The Great Kat ? :rollin
I remember you bringing her up. Can't say I checked out any of her work.
You don't know what you're missing :laugh:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_hn7HKHbDs
lol WTF?!
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One of my friends on FB asked me about the 'legendary' Stratovarius 2007 demo that became Tolkki's Revolution Renaissance debut.
Anyhow I couldn't find the files anywhere on my various HHD and computers so I tracked them down online again.
My point being these sound almost Infinite/Elements quality production wise, far too good to be just demo's and I like them better than the official RR release.
One of the final videos of Tolkki in the band shows them playing LNOE. I remember listening to this thinking the next Strato record was gonna rock. Then the next 2 years went by in a whirlwind. Nuts...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlFJE6OyYq0
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I was there actually. According to Tollki, that was the show that made him realize the band was over (everyone doing it just for the contractual obligation of it, nobody talking to each other, Jorge Michael coming straight from the office and then back to it since he was doing work as a manager or something) and made him want to move on.
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I was there actually. According to Tollki, that was the show that made him realize the band was over (everyone doing it just for the contractual obligation of it, nobody talking to each other, Jorge Michael coming straight from the office and then back to it since he was doing work as a manager or something) and made him want to move on.
It's been a long time since I've seen that video, but I just watched it and yeah, it's easy to see. Seems like Koti comes in at the wrong time, Tolkki's guitar drops out, doesn't sound like they even tried to work the kinks out. Funny thing is I believe Jorg is still doing that job today! :lol
2008 was wild. I'm trying to remember the timeline exactly. I want to say it was in February 2008 that Tolkki said the band was splitting. I think it was a few months later, Tolkki made a website with this super dramatic choir music embedded in the background, and on the page itself was just a letter from Tolkki talking about everything that had just happened, how he no longer had the rights to the band and music, stuff about legal battles - what a year that was :lol
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I was there actually. According to Tollki, that was the show that made him realize the band was over (everyone doing it just for the contractual obligation of it, nobody talking to each other, Jorge Michael coming straight from the office and then back to it since he was doing work as a manager or something) and made him want to move on.
It's been a long time since I've seen that video, but I just watched it and yeah, it's easy to see. Seems like Koti comes in at the wrong time, Tolkki's guitar drops out, doesn't sound like they even tried to work the kinks out. Funny thing is I believe Jorg is still doing that job today! :lol
The whole thing just felt lifeless. And I laughed at Kotis' face when he did miss the time. I also laughed at a comment saying Tolkkis guitar changes color.
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https://www.discogs.com/Stratovarius-Demo/release/3622945
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I've ignored all of Tolkki's projects since he left Stratovarius...that was a mistake. Now playing the first RR record after reading above that these were intended to be songs on the next Strato record.
Wow...what nice selection of singers too. Tobias Sammet and Kiske! I think I need to try the Avalon albums too.
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I've ignored all of Tolkki's projects since he left Stratovarius...that was a mistake. Now playing the first RR record after reading above that these were intended to be songs on the next Strato record.
Wow...what nice selection of singers too. Tobias Sammet and Kiske! I think I need to try the Avalon albums too.
I would strongly suggest the Symfonia record he did, if you're a fan of that first RR record. In every way other than the lineup it is a Stratovarius record, and the lineup he put together is, well, there's a reason it's considered a power metal supergroup (Jari from Stratovarius, Mikko Harkin from the first Sonata Arctica records, Uli Kusch, and Andre Matos).
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I've ignored all of Tolkki's projects since he left Stratovarius...that was a mistake. Now playing the first RR record after reading above that these were intended to be songs on the next Strato record.
Wow...what nice selection of singers too. Tobias Sammet and Kiske! I think I need to try the Avalon albums too.
I would strongly suggest the Symfonia record he did, if you're a fan of that first RR record. In every way other than the lineup it is a Stratovarius record, and the lineup he put together is, well, there's a reason it's considered a power metal supergroup (Jari from Stratovarius, Mikko Harkin from the first Sonata Arctica records, Uli Kusch, and Andre Matos).
Live version of "Forevermore". Matos sounds so good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgTvHhz4dps
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With no concerts in sight for the coming months I have been checking online stuff and stumbled upon this late 2019 raw pro-shot livestream (Knotfest Mexico):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wpvsRKCo0I (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wpvsRKCo0I)
Setlist:
Eagleheart
Phoenix
Shine in the Dark
Paradise
4000 Rainy Nights
Black Diamond
Unbreakable
Hunting High and Low
I think it is a fun watch! Tight performance.
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Just watched a few songs. Great video and performance. Timo sounds pretty good.
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Great performance. Shitty crowd.
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I had been looking at that set from setlist.fm when I started listening to them months ago to familiarize myself with what they might play in September (which seems all up in the air now) so thank you for sharing, I will watch that later.
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Well, I wanted to listen to Visions. Guess I'll have to buy the cd. Don't know why it's not on Spotify.
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Anyone remember The Great Kat ? :rollin
I remember you bringing her up. Can't say I checked out any of her work.
You don't know what you're missing :laugh:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_hn7HKHbDs
lol WTF?!
I am pretty embarrassed to admit I have her Beethoven on Speed album. :blush :blush :blush
It is fucking awful.
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What a time mate! The Great Kat................Guy Mann Dude :lol
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What a time mate! The Great Kat................Guy Mann Dude :lol
I have the Guy Mann Dude as well :lol
I reckon they were the same person. Awful scratchy tone. No melody.
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Controversial opinion incoming: Eternal I think is a top 3 Strato album for me. I still think it's brilliant.
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Controversial opinion incoming: Eternal I think is a top 3 Strato album for me. I still think it's brilliant.
I only have the three latest, but it's a solid one. I think I like the newer sound over what I sampled of the older stuff.
Just watched a few songs. Great video and performance. Timo sounds pretty good.
I watched some last night and turned it off. Thought it sounded terrible and there was like no energy, from anyone.
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Controversial opinion incoming: Eternal I think is a top 3 Strato album for me. I still think it's brilliant.
Eternal has some of my most favorite Strato tunes. My Eternal Dream sounds like it came straight out of Infinite.
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Controversial opinion incoming: Eternal I think is a top 3 Strato album for me. I still think it's brilliant.
I only have the three latest, but it's a solid one. I think I like the newer sound over what I sampled of the older stuff.
Just watched a few songs. Great video and performance. Timo sounds pretty good.
I watched some last night and turned it off. Thought it sounded terrible and there was like no energy, from anyone.
Forgot to mention the terrible mix. I'm wondering, if the actual live mix was bad, could be why the audience was dull. Those Keys were way too loud and the low end really Low in volume.
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Controversial opinion incoming: Eternal I think is a top 3 Strato album for me. I still think it's brilliant.
I only have the three latest, but it's a solid one. I think I like the newer sound over what I sampled of the older stuff.
Just watched a few songs. Great video and performance. Timo sounds pretty good.
I watched some last night and turned it off. Thought it sounded terrible and there was like no energy, from anyone.
Forgot to mention the terrible mix. I'm wondering, if the actual live mix was bad, could be why the audience was dull. Those Keys were way too loud and the low end really Low in volume.
Yea, the keys kind of ruin it for me, drowns out the guitar and just sounds terrible overall. My gut says that's not the reason for the dead crowd, but just not the right crowd considering it was Knotfest. It is a bit odd though since south of the border, they seem to go crazy for metal music and yet that crowd looks more dead than a NYC crowd, which might have rubbed off on the band who also looked dead for the most part.
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Controversial opinion incoming: Eternal I think is a top 3 Strato album for me. I still think it's brilliant.
Eternal has some of my most favorite Strato tunes. My Eternal Dream sounds like it came straight out of Infinite.
The album is so strong that song wouldn't even be top 5 for me.
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Controversial opinion incoming: Eternal I think is a top 3 Strato album for me. I still think it's brilliant.
Eternal has some of my most favorite Strato tunes. My Eternal Dream sounds like it came straight out of Infinite.
Eternal is really great. I never got *too* deeply into Strato (well, depends on what you count as deep, but I mostly play Episode - Infinite and then the two last albums, Elements already lose me with just a few tracks I like) but I thought it was one of the band's best. Matias is great and I love the new dynamic in the band.
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Whenever somebody asks who would be in my dream band lineup, Matias has been my no-brainer, #1 choice since Polaris. Guy is a force to be reckoned with on the axe. His fusion playing is mindblowing.
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Whenever somebody asks who would be in my dream band lineup, Matias has been my no-brainer, #1 choice since Polaris. Guy is a force to be reckoned with on the axe. His fusion playing is mindblowing.
Yeah his chops are insanely good, and some of his solos are really technical. Super underrated guitarist.
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Infinite came out 20 years ago today. I'm not sure how 20 years have passed....I remember being in college then and less than two years into having discovered this band and power metal in general.
Now playing....Infinite. :metal
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Infinite came out 20 years ago today. I'm not sure how 20 years have passed....I remember being in college then and less than two years into having discovered this band and power metal in general.
Now playing....Infinite. :metal
:2metal::2metal::2metal:
One of the very best, from the very best, imo! Will jam it loud and proud today!
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Infinite came out 20 years ago today. I'm not sure how 20 years have passed....I remember being in college then and less than two years into having discovered this band and power metal in general.
Now playing....Infinite. :metal
Yes interesting story about how I first heard Infinite....
December 1999 I flew to Helsinki to meet up with an online mate for the first time.
He was at the airport to meet me, with a big scary long haired bloke called Ewo.
We go back to Spinefarm Records offices (where Ewo then worked) and he pops on an advance cassette of 4 songs from Infinite.
Then he says we are going to a pre-release piss up for the album at a Helsinki pub.
So we turn up drink until 0300 the next morning, I get to meet all the band and as Motorhead were in town, Lemmy and a bunch of other bands who I can't remember.
Most of it was a blur, as I was so tired and a bit drunk, but some wonderful memories of what I actually can recall.
I would say that because of these great memories and also how good the album is, it remains my fave Stratovarius release to this day.
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Infinite came out 20 years ago today. I'm not sure how 20 years have passed....I remember being in college then and less than two years into having discovered this band and power metal in general.
Now playing....Infinite. :metal
Yes interesting story about how I first heard Infinite....
December 1999 I flew to Helsinki to meet up with an online mate for the first time.
He was at the airport to meet me, with a big scary long haired bloke called Ewo.
We go back to Spinefarm Records offices (where Ewo then worked) and he pops on an advance cassette of 4 songs from Infinite.
Then he says we are going to a pre-release piss up for the album at a Helsinki pub.
So we turn up drink until 0300 the next morning, I get to meet all the band and as Motorhead were in town, Lemmy and a bunch of other bands who I can't remember.
Most of it was a blur, as I was so tired and a bit drunk, but some wonderful memories of what I actually can recall.
I would say that because of these great memories and also how good the album is, it remains my fave Stratovarius release to this day.
Wow, great story mate.
So, it'll appear in your top 50 then? ;D
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I've put Nemesis in the car for a spin. I thought Polaris was average but a fine return for the band. I absolutely loved Elysium but I never really got Nemesis. All the positive reviews and rankings of it, for some reason I just never clicked with it. Perfect time to try again and I must say it's a lot better than I remembered.
Songs like Castles in the Air and One Must Fall I just never cared for but understand them a bit more now. unbreakable and Halcyon Days I always loved from when they were released. I don't really cared for Fantasy and Dragons is hit or miss, but everything else is really well done and mature songwriting. I have the Japenese edition and really recommend checking Kill it With Fire. My favourite track from the whole thing I think is Fireborn. Another bonus track but jeez that song rips.
Quite funny Lauri wrote both Fantasy and Fireborn and both songs are on both ends of the spectrum for me.
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Yeah Nemesis is great, the Japan version I also have, Kill It With Fire is pure Yngwie worship written by Jens.
Infinite will be in my top 50 for sure, will get back to that very shortly, had quite a traumatic past few months.
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Yeah Nemesis is great, the Japan version I also have, Kill It With Fire is pure Yngwie worship written by Jens.
Infinite will be in my top 50 for sure, will get back to that very shortly, had quite a traumatic past few months.
All the best mate. Hope things are turning around for you.
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Fireborn is freaking awesome, Kade. Nemesis only has 3 tracks that I'm not crazy about - One Must Fall, Stand My Ground, and Out of the Fog. Still like them, but they all have this peculiar, hazy, mid tempo groovy vibe that's a bit odd for Strato imo. The introduction of Rolf and more electronic synth effects adds to the vibe, I think.
Castles is one of my most favorite Strato tunes.
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The instrumental section of Castles is just fabulous.
Yeah I think Rolf has been a really good addition for the band.
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Nice cover of Hunting High and Low from Metalite
https://youtu.be/85TcvARgaMI
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Man, I want to make a joke about your Top 50, but I still haven't updated my Ayreon Discography Thread in 4 years so I'm not sure I'm qualified to joke about that. :lol
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I was only thinking about my top 50 today, I think I'm ready to continue with it, soon...
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I was only thinking about my top 50 today, I think I'm ready to continue with it, soon...
Looking very much forward to It mate.
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Unique interview and music with Kotipelto as only can be done in Finland
https://youtu.be/w05M2xFJ-MM
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Unique interview and music with Kotipelto as only can be done in Finland
https://youtu.be/w05M2xFJ-MM
Thanks.
I was just watching a bit and it is very well done, not "just" an interview. It feels more like a short solidly produced show, including a live performance of Kotipelto and some games (mellow/acoustic versions of Unbreakable and a cover of Rainbow).
I hope he visits some of the other Finnish talents in this particular music scene.
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Timo Tolkki interview from September 2021.
https://youtu.be/YCQuNgQB2fw
It's 80 minutes, but pretty interesting to hear TT talking about anything and everything.
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Timo Tolkki interview from September 2021.
https://youtu.be/YCQuNgQB2fw
It's 80 minutes, but pretty interesting to hear TT talking about anything and everything.
Thank you for sharing. Timo is such a tragic figure. I'm considering seeing him in Texas in March, since he is a personal hero of mine.
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Yeah he's been through a lot these past few years.
I hope he writes a book one day, that would be a very interesting read.
BTW his all star band are recording live shows for release later this year.
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I can't believe their last album came out 7 years ago! New single will be here tomorrow, the new album is titled Survive.
https://bravewords.com/news/stratovarius-to-release-survive-album-in-september-title-track-video-available-friday
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oooo I do wonder if they will play the new single tonight at ProgPower
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oooo I do wonder if they will play the new single tonight at ProgPower
I saw that announcement and said, well looks like we'll be the lucky ones to hear the song for the first time live.
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Finally! It's been years since the last one and I've been ready for the new album for quite a while now. :metal
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I can't believe their last album came out 7 years ago! New single will be here tomorrow, the new album is titled Survive.
https://bravewords.com/news/stratovarius-to-release-survive-album-in-september-title-track-video-available-friday
Finally! I absolutely loved Eternal so can't wait for this one.
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New song sounds killer and as with nearly all Stratovarius first-from-album singles it's catchy as hell...
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I can always count on Stratovarius for a catchy single... I've been humming the chorus all morning already.
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Official video, sounds great ;D
https://youtu.be/deL5dM9csNc
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7 Years already since their last album! :o I feel so old.
I'm diggin' the new song btw!
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Thought it was odd when they stated last night the new album was coming out but they haven't learned how to play the new song yet :lol what a missed opportunity, but the song is solid :metal
They were still pretty good last night though.
Stratovarious - Unbreakable LIVE @ ProgPower USA XXI Centerstage Atlanta GA 6/1/2022 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPCPn_xhaO8)
Stratovarious - Against the Wind LIVE @ ProgPower USA XXI Centerstage Atlanta GA 6/1/2022 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Vh2LezPdFk)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FUS4tPSXoBkUAv0?format=jpg&name=large)
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Haha...All I see of myself is my hair. They were amazing last night. The main reason why I came and was so happy they just made it to ProgPower.
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I didn't see you when I was in that spot but I see your head now :lol
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I didn't see you when I was in that spot but I see your head now :lol
Right next to guy in the white shirt, in front of Timo. :metal
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I was a big fan of the Dreamspace and Fourth Dimension albums (especially the former) - there was an aura of melancholy there that made those records pretty unique. Sure, there was still plenty of cheese, and the more-than-occasional inspiration from Helloween, Queensryche and even Savatage (just listen to Reign of Terror vs. Sirens for proof ;D), but enough Nordic spleen to make them stand out.
Then of course they became huge in the European power scene with Episode and Visions. While they are mini-classics in their genre, I didn't like them quite as much, as they were a little too "straight" power for my taste. I remember listening to those a ton when they were released, though.
After that, I kinda lost track, and I recall there was a lot of drama associated with Timo Tolkki leaving and such. I do have one of the post-Tolkki album - Elysium, which I enjoyed (although it's been a while...). I might go over older posts in this thread a bit more, but do you guys have any specific recommendations across the more recent output?
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Hey Nick - it seems like you may have similar tastes to me when it comes to Stratovarius. I much prefer them when they slow down and crunch those riffs rather than the power metal drumathon stuff. Fourth Dimension was the pick in my DTF Top 50.
I reckon you should check out Nemesis from the more recent albums.
The new single isn't doing a great deal for me just yet and it sounds like they're going down the "wall of sound" production more and more now which is going to turn me off. I will certainly check out the album when it comes out though as I have a soft spot for them.
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That song was decent. A pretty safe continuation on from Eternal. Nice thrashy riff though.
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Hey Nick - it seems like you may have similar tastes to me when it comes to Stratovarius. I much prefer them when they slow down and crunch those riffs rather than the power metal drumathon stuff. Fourth Dimension was the pick in my DTF Top 50.
I reckon you should check out Nemesis from the more recent albums.
The new single isn't doing a great deal for me just yet and it sounds like they're going down the "wall of sound" production more and more now which is going to turn me off. I will certainly check out the album when it comes out though as I have a soft spot for them.
:tup Thank you
I did check out Nemesis and, I have to say, it's a fun record. I have a soft spot for those Europop-sounding keys ;D
Regardless, I felt inspired to go for some vintage Stratovarius. Went with Twilight Time first, and Dreamspace is playing now. Still love those records. Dreamspace, in particular, has so much variety in it. Just the first three...Chasing Shadows, 4th Reich, Eyes of the World...all Stratovarius-sounding a yet so different...great stuff.
Fourth Dimension will be next...
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Out of the earlier stuff, I always really preferred Twilight Time. There's a certain atmosphere and charm about that one.
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For me the golden Stratovarius era was Destiny/Infinite/Elements.
Those albums were power metal personified, that huge sound, production and epic songs.
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I was a big fan of the Dreamspace and Fourth Dimension albums (especially the former) - there was an aura of melancholy there that made those records pretty unique.
I find Destiny to be pretty melanchonic. It's not their best album, but I love the overall atmosphere of the record.
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Yeah Destiny from that middle period is wonderful. Elements 1 was always my fav but that may change these days.
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For me the golden Stratovarius era was Destiny/Infinite/Elements.
Those albums were power metal personified, that huge sound, production and epic songs.
Well there's a reason for that (although Visions is easily my favorite). I don't like any of the post Tolkki akbums.
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I can totally understand this, almost a different band, with only two members left from the classic 'Tolkki' era line up.
Their sound has obviously changed and for better or worse, at least now the band is a democracy and not a dictatorship.
By that I mean Tolkki was doing almost everything, song writing, arrangements, producing etc.
At least now the other band members are getting their songs heard and they are even using 'outside' (the band) help with the songs.
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I can totally understand this, almost a different band, with only two members left from the classic 'Tolkki' era line up.
Their sound has obviously changed and for better or worse, at least now the band is a democracy and not a dictatorship.
By that I mean Tolkki was doing almost everything, song writing, arrangements, producing etc.
At least now the other band members are getting their songs heard and they are even using 'outside' (the band) help with the songs.
I feel that's how they've been so strong and continued to evolve forward as a unit when so many questioned them after Tolkki left. (I won't lie, myself included).
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I think Nemesis is their best with a very wide margin, but I also feel the music of their later work is quite different compared to their classic era.
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Another new track "World on Fire" has been released today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2G61Gm92d0
:metal
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I think Nemesis is their best with a very wide margin, but I also feel the music of their later work is quite different compared to their classic era.
IMO Nemesis is the best of the post Tolkki era, it's not anywhere the Infinite/Elements though... :xbones
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I think Nemesis is their best with a very wide margin, but I also feel the music of their later work is quite different compared to their classic era.
IMO Nemesis is the best of the post Tolkki era, it's not anywhere the Infinite/Elements though... :xbones
Completely agree with this, though instead of Infinite/Elements, I'd say it's nowhere as good as Episode/Visions/Destiny/Infinite. That's an amazing string of albums.
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Another new track "World on Fire" has been released today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2G61Gm92d0
:metal
Just caught the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV7Zao8LSP4
Very realistic FX :lol
That song is much more my style than the first one - very Nemesis sounding.
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Just caught the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV7Zao8LSP4
Very realistic FX :lol
That song is much more my style than the first one - very Nemesis sounding.
Watching the video...I'm thinking this was intentionally made to look this bad, right?? :lol
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Wow, it actually looks like they are playing in a world that is on fire.......
Props to Jens for still rocking the little hair he has left! There's a man that chooses not to conform. lol
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Yet another great new song, 'Firefly'
https://youtu.be/nkkcKQN5ntU
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Shaping up to be another strong album right? I've enjoyed all the singles so far.
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They're playing Wacken right now, the new songs seem quite good!
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It's Clutch when I open the link:
https://live.wacken.com/
I thought for a second that I didn't remember Timo growing a beard. ;D
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Bump. The new album is out. My first spin was pretty damn good, especially the opening tracks. :metal
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Didn't realize it was out already, I will have to check it out
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It's not bad I guess. I'd put it on par with Polaris and Elysium, but like Eternal more, and Nemesis for me is still leagues ahead of any of them.
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Only knew Episode and Visions by them. Blind-bought Survive on release day and I’m loving it! :metal
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I've listened through once (in full) and starting to go through a second time. Overall I'm really enjoying the album, but what are everyone's thoughts so far?
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I've been enjoying it after a few listens. I think it starts really strong, but feels very "samey" once I get to the back half of the album.
Nothing will ever be as good as Epsiode / Visions / Destiny / Infinite, and I'm a sucker for those older albums with Tolkki and Jorg Michael. But I'm glad that this band keeps going - Nemisis remains my favorite of the newer era.
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Nothing will ever be as good as Epsiode / Visions / Destiny / Infinite
I raise you Polaris / Elysium / Nemesis / Eternal. ;D
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Nothing will ever be as good as Epsiode / Visions / Destiny / Infinite
I raise you Polaris / Elysium / Nemesis / Eternal. ;D
Not even close to Episode, Fourth Dimension, and Visions. In my opinion. :biggrin:
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Nothing will ever be as good as Epsiode / Visions / Destiny / Infinite
I raise you Polaris / Elysium / Nemesis / Eternal. ;D
Not even close to Episode, Fourth Dimension, and Visions. In my opinion. :biggrin:
Ok, I'm gonna go ahead and say Twilight Time, Dreamspace and Fourth Dimension, then :)
(I'm actually not kidding, sorta ;) Dreamspace is my favorite Stratovarius album. I loved when the melancholic side was more present in their sound.)
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Nothing will ever be as good as Epsiode / Visions / Destiny / Infinite
I raise you Polaris / Elysium / Nemesis / Eternal. ;D
Not even close to Episode, Fourth Dimension, and Visions. In my opinion. :biggrin:
Ok, I'm gonna go ahead and say Twilight Time, Dreamspace and Fourth Dimension, then :)
(I'm actually not kidding, sorta ;) Dreamspace is my favorite Stratovarius album. I loved when the melancholic side was more present in their sound.)
All great albums. Tolkki's vocals are good on Dreamspace!
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I love Twilight Time. Some great songs on that one.
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Finally getting around to listening to this new album. It's very good. Very Eternal, but that's no bad thing. Some great vocal melodies and great riffing.
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I still haven't heard it, CD is waiting for me when I get home from my month long UK trip on Tuesday night.
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Finally I've had a chance to fully digest 'Survive' and I'm pretty happy with what I've heard.
I'd give it a 8/10, solid all round, great riffs, melodies and strong production.
My partner commented in the car yesterday 'the songs all sound the same' as in similar tempo... :metal
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Finally I've had a chance to fully digest 'Survive' and I'm pretty happy with what I've heard.
I'd give it a 8/10, solid all round, great riffs, melodies and strong production.
My partner commented in the car yesterday 'the songs all sound the same' as in similar tempo... :metal
I think it's a really good album actually. I like the vibe of the tracks being a bit similar. For some reason I gravitate towards albums like that. Really consistent.
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I gave it a couple listens last week, still need to listen more. It's good and similar to the level as the last two albums, but maybe slightly less as good. Album doesn't wow me at all really, but it's pretty consistently solid throughout.
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Upon more listens, I'm enjoying this more than my initial reaction. Really liking songs We Are Not Alone and Before the Fall. :metal :metal
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From TT Instagram, a reunion of some sort of the original Stratovarius line up:
They started it all 34 years ago...The Dreamspace lineup of Stratovarius has reformed, returning under the moniker TIMO TOLKKI'S STRATO. Featuring Timo Tolkki (vocals & guitar), Tuomo Lassila (drums), and Antti Ikonen (keyboards), these members recorded the classic Fright Night, Twilight Time, Dreamspace and Fourth Dimension albums. Released in 1994, Dreamspace was the last Stratovarius album to have Timo Tolkki on lead vocals and includes such fan favorites as "Chasing Shadows", "Hold On To Your Dream", "We Are The Future" and "Wings Of Tomorrow". Tolkki recorded his vocals for the Fourth Dimension album demos before deciding to focus on guitar only and recruited Timo Kotipelto as vocalist. Fourth Dimensionincluded a number of standout tracks including "Against The Wind", "Distant Skies", "Galaxies" and "Twilight Symphony".
In the summer 2022 Timo Tolkki, Tuomo Lassila and Antti Ikonen met to discuss ideas to reform the original line up, deciding to call themselves “Timo Tolkki’s Strato”. In all secrecy, they have rehearsed in Tuomo’s garage (real back to the roots!) since January 2023.This reconstituted lineup has signed a deal with Warner Music Japan, and is currently recording their debut album titled Return To Dreamspace to be released on 27.10.2023, preceded by the single “(Is this the) Brave New World?". A Japanese Tour is planned for spring 2024, and Timo Tolkki will visit Japan in November 2023 to promote the album -- his first time there since 2007. Tours of Latin America and Europe are also in the works. In concert the band will be performing songs from Return To Dreamspace, as well as from the Stratovarius albums, Fright Night,Twilight Time, and Dreamspace.
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Interesting. So Timo will do the lead vocals again? Has he done that ever since Kotipelto took over?
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This was talked about a couple years ago. Cool to see its actually happening.
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That is pretty cool, interesting that the remaining guys sre still doing music. It's odd that Jari isn't a part of this, though.
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I'd be a lot more interested in the Fourth Dimension lineup....................close but no cigar :)
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I'd be a lot more interested in the Fourth Dimension lineup....................close but no cigar :)
Same here. I'm not interested in hearing Tolkki sing at all.
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Considering I enjoy the modern version of Stratovarius way more than the classic version, I don't have much interest but if the songs are good that can change.
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I absolutely love Dreamspace, so this could (in principle) have potential…but somehow I doubt it will result in anything particularly exciting ;) Tolkki seems to have run out of gas for a while now, unfortunately…
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Visions was the last album I liked.
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I absolutely love Dreamspace, so this could (in principle) have potential…but somehow I doubt it will result in anything particularly exciting ;) Tolkki seems to have run out of gas for a while now, unfortunately…
He might have, but he has subsequently stated on his instagram;
By the way: all the songs in the upcoming album is written by Lassila-Tolkki-Ikonen.
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I absolutely love Dreamspace, so this could (in principle) have potential…but somehow I doubt it will result in anything particularly exciting ;) Tolkki seems to have run out of gas for a while now, unfortunately…
He might have, but he has subsequently stated on his instagram;
By the way: all the songs in the upcoming album is written by Lassila-Tolkki-Ikonen.
Nice! And, technically, Stratovarius was founded by Lassila, so we might well consider him the driving force :biggrin:
Anyway, I always found his drumming and Ikonen's keyboards in early Stratovarius to be super-interesting and a big part of why enjoy those records so much, so I can't deny I'm at least a bit curious to hear what they come up with...