The Stratovarius Thread

[cramx3]

I didn't see you when I was in that spot but I see your head now 

[Ben_Jamin]

I didn't see you when I was in that spot but I see your head now 

Right next to guy in the white shirt, in front of Timo. 

[nick_z]

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  ), 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?

[bl5150]

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.

[wolfking]

That song was decent.  A pretty safe continuation on from Eternal.  Nice thrashy riff though.

[nick_z]

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.

  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 

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...

[wolfking]

Out of the earlier stuff, I always really preferred Twilight Time.  There's a certain atmosphere and charm about that one.

[gazinwales]

For me the golden Stratovarius era was Destiny/Infinite/Elements.
Those albums were power metal personified, that huge sound, production and epic songs.

[MirrorMask]

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.

[wolfking]

Yeah Destiny from that middle period is wonderful.  Elements 1 was always my fav but that may change these days.

[BelichickFan]

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.

[gazinwales]

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.

[wolfking]

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).

[ErHaO]

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.

[Deathless]

Another new track "World on Fire" has been released today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2G61Gm92d0

 

[gazinwales]

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...

[Grappler]

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...

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.

[bl5150]

Another new track "World on Fire" has been released today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2G61Gm92d0

 

Just caught the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV7Zao8LSP4

Very realistic FX 

That song is much more my style than the first one - very Nemesis sounding.

[nick_z]

Just caught the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV7Zao8LSP4

Very realistic FX 

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?? 

[wolfking]

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

[gazinwales]

Yet another great new song, 'Firefly'
https://youtu.be/nkkcKQN5ntU

[Deathless]

Shaping up to be another strong album right? I've enjoyed all the singles so far.

[MirrorMask]

They're playing Wacken right now, the new songs seem quite good!

[Mladen]

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. 

[Mladen]

Bump. The new album is out. My first spin was pretty damn good, especially the opening tracks.

[cramx3]

Didn't realize it was out already, I will have to check it out

[Bolsters]

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.

[NoseofNicko]

Only knew Episode and Visions by them. Blind-bought Survive on release day and I’m loving it!

[Deathless]

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?

[Grappler]

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. 

[Mladen]

Nothing will ever be as good as Epsiode / Visions / Destiny / Infinite

I raise you Polaris / Elysium / Nemesis / Eternal. 

[Glasser]

Nothing will ever be as good as Epsiode / Visions / Destiny / Infinite

I raise you Polaris / Elysium / Nemesis / Eternal. 

Not even close to Episode, Fourth Dimension, and Visions. In my opinion. 

[nick_z]

Nothing will ever be as good as Epsiode / Visions / Destiny / Infinite

I raise you Polaris / Elysium / Nemesis / Eternal. 

Not even close to Episode, Fourth Dimension, and Visions. In my opinion. 

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.)

[Glasser]

Nothing will ever be as good as Epsiode / Visions / Destiny / Infinite

I raise you Polaris / Elysium / Nemesis / Eternal. 

Not even close to Episode, Fourth Dimension, and Visions. In my opinion. 

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!

[wolfking]

I love Twilight Time.  Some great songs on that one.