Having been together as a band for around 26 years and still going strong, Finland’s Stratovarius are still at the top of their game. With their cheese-fest melodies and power metal goodness, it would be no shock if even the likes of Helloween were jealous. Previously releasing 11 albums and numerous demos/singles and last year completing a world tour to promote their album ‘Polaris’. So it’s definitely possible that these guys will be touring with their newest album ‘Elysium’.
The CD is only a mere 5 tracks long and is an apparent ‘taster’ of what’s to come from ‘Elysium’ set to be released on January 17th 2010. Two tracks are from the future release, but also there are two live tracks from their latest world tour and a demo of ‘Darkest Hours’.
Straight in with the first track ‘Darkest Hours’ with its pelting drum beats and atmospheric keyboards it’s clear that this is going to be another catchy as hell Stratovarius release. Bands like this one always amaze me live with all the different bits of instruments thrown everywhere, it just sounds immense and this track is exactly what I’d love to hear live. The voice of Timo Kotipelto really excels in ‘Infernal Maze’ showing off his lungs of steel and reminding me of Helloween’s ex vocalist Michael Kiske. The guitar solo on this is particularly impressive, sounding like his fingers are on fire; you’ve got to give them credit to produce this kind of stuff.
The demo version of ‘Darkest Hours’ isn’t as catchy as the first two tracks, the cleaned up version sounds much better, but still doesn’t fail to entertain my ears with the high pitched wailing vocals and cheesy melodies. The solo on this one, if you don‘t know about Stratovarius already, just spells out ‘Finnish Metal’.
The two live tracks ‘Against the Wind’ and ‘Black Diamond’ (unfortunately not a KISS cover like I’d hoped) are everything you’d expect from a band that’s been together so long, sounding just as they would on an album, clear, in tune and in time with each other.
Personally, I’m looking forward to hearing the rest of the album next year, and hopefully a tour following its release.
http://www.myspace.com/officialstratovarius
