Stratovarius (album)

Infobox Album | Name = Stratovarius
Type = studio
Artist = Stratovarius


Released = September 5 2005
Recorded = April 2004-May 2005
Genre = Power metal
Length = 49:20
Label = Sanctuary
Producer = Timo Tolkki
Reviews = *Allmusic Rating|3|5 [http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:ajfuxqlsldhe link]
Last album = "Elements, Pt. 2"
(2003)
This album = "Stratovarius"
(2005)
Next album =

"Stratovarius" is an album by the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius. It was released after the band reunited in January 2005, following Timo Tolkki's nervous breakdown and the split of 2004. The band went on a world-wide tour to promote the album, playing for the first time in the United States and Canada. Although it wasn't intended to be so, it was the final full-length studio release of the band before their break up in 2008.

The album displays a notable change in direction for Stratovarius. The symphonic sound of the "Elements" albums is almost completely gone, and Timo Tolkki's signature neo-classical soloing style is notably absent. Keyboard player Jens Johansson has a more restricted role to play than on any previous release by the band and Jörg Michael's drumming features very little double bass pedal playing. Timo Kotipelto also attempts a different vocal approach, avoiding the high notes he is more well known for.

Timo Tolkki said in an interview in April 2007 that he didn't like this album because it wasn't their style at all, and it was made totally wrong. [ [http://www.ontrackmagazine.com/03interviews/stratovarius.htm OnTrack interview] ]

Track listing

#"Maniac Dance" – 4:34
#"Fight!!!" – 4:03
#"Just Carry On" – 5:28
#"Back to Madness" – 7:43
#"Gypsy in Me" – 4:28
#"Götterdämmerung (Zenith of Power)" – 7:13
#"The Land of Ice and Snow" – 3:05
#"Leave the Tribe" – 5:42
#"United" – 7:04

Personnel

*Timo Kotipelto - Vocals
*Timo Tolkki - Guitar
*Jari Kainulainen - Bass
*Jens Johansson - Keyboards
*Jörg Michael - Drums

References