STRATOVARIUS — Stratovarius (review)

STRATOVARIUS — Stratovarius album cover Album · 2005 · Power Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3/5 ·
UMUR
"Stratovarius" is the 11th full-length studio album by Finnish power metal act Stratovarius. The album was released in September 2005 by Mayan Records/Sanctuary Records. It was the last album to feature the "classic" Stratovarius lineup that had been consistent sice 1996, as bassist Jari Kainulainen was fired shortly after the release and guitarist Timo Tolkki decided to leave the band in 2008. Leading up to the recording of the album the band had been through some rough times. Timo Tolkki suffered a nervous breakdown in early 2004 and the band went into a year long hiatus while Tolkki was treated and eventually diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. Tensions were building and "Stratovarius" is a product created by a band on the brink of destruction. It´s quite misleading that the closing track on the album is titled "United".

The album sees quite a departure from the band´s usual power metal style. It´s not that you can´t hear that it is Stratovarius playing but the band have chosen to include more traditional heavy metal elements than ever before and at the same time abandoning some of the most traditional power metal elements that are otherwise trademarks of their style. That means sparse double bass pedal drumming, few neo-classical elements and actually few solos from both guitar and keyboards. Instead most tracks are kept in mid-pace and the riffs are heavier. One other thing is that lead vocalist Timo Kotipelto also moderates his use of high pitched vocals. He has quite the pleasant mid-range vocal style too though and I think his more varied vocal approach on this album suits him well.

"Stratovarius" is an album that among fans of Stratovarius are generally regarded as a "black sheep" in the band´s discography. Personally I welcome the change in style and I actually think it´s a pretty good release. It´s not a revelation in any way and it probably shouldn´t be counted as one of Stratovarius "classic" albums, but I think few would despute that it´s well produced, well composed and well played. The album is probably a bit too far removed from the band´s usual style to satisfy the most conservative power metal fan, but if you can appreciate Stratovarius playing a mix of traditional heavy metal and power metal this album ain´t too bad. A 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is deserved.
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