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
. Man I don't know how the Jensokeyboard can exist today after playing that
.
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=M9KgN41IJZkLast Shore:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOFWRgq4Cq8&feature=player_embeddedEDIT: I saw the band yesterday in Madrid.
Topic: The Stratovarius Thread (Read 104825 times)
