Stratovarius Community

Again the band was masterfully mixed the well known Mikko Karmila. The end result is one of the best melodic metal albums of 2009 from a rejuvenated and back on track band. So chart a course to your local record shop on May 18th as one of melodic metal's finest shine as brightly as ever.

Ragehead91 wrote:Great review! I really can't wait!

Since i wrote "Polaris" review for Metaleagle.com in Greek (we will publish it during April), i would like to post here its English translated version

STRATOVARIUS-Polaris

Label: Edel,earMUSIC,JVC
Website: http://www.stratovarius.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/officialstratovarius
Release Date: 21st May, 2009

Well, if you asked me a couple of months ago, i wouldn't believe that i ever was going to write such a positive review for the new release of Finnish power metal pioneers STRATOVARIUS. As you see, "Polaris" is the first Stratovarius album not including ex mastermind and main songwriter Timo Tolkki. Timo left the band a year ago (he decided to stop STRATOVARIUS at that moment) but rest of the line up including keyboard-player extraordinaire Jens Johansson (ex YNGWIE MALMSTEEN), drummer Jorg "i have played with almost every metal band of this world" Michael and one of the most recognizable vocalists of power metal scene Timo Kotipelto decided to continue STRATOVARIUS, a decision that even Timo Tolkki (who already formed REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE-check our other pages for the reviews of the 2 releases of his new band) after some long discussions (which,we have not any reason to mention here) finally accepted.

Enough with history lessons, since "Polaris" is here and "screams" for some attention. And it has a good reason, since this album will bring back the smile in the faces of the numerous "Strato-fans" of this world. Opening with "Deep Unknown", a STRATOVARIUS-meets-DREAM THEATER catchy song, "Polaris" entering your ears with a lot of fresh ideas. Its intro reminded a bit of "Fight!!!" of the previous record, but it's more prog-oriented and in all, a much better song. I don't want to take it song-by-song so i will mention that during the listening you pass through some great tracks of state-of-the-art melodic metal. Take "Emancipation Suite" for example: a two-track epic full of beautiful melodies on vocals, keyboards and guitar that continues the spirit of songs like "Infinity" or "Elements".

And if you missed that great up-tempo speedy anthems of classic STRATOVARIUS era, you have no reason to worry anymore: "Polaris" includes them, and right now i may say that my favorite is "Blind"which begins with that "Black Diamond"-ish (check "Visions") haspichord intro. Ballads also have their role in "Polaris", and their main advantage is that Timo Kotipelto seem to decided to sing emotional again. I have missed this kind of vocals from Timo since late '90s i suppose. Anyway, no more words to say since -fortunately- things are simple: "Polaris" is a great surprise, a hit from nowhere, a happy end to a sad story, a new beginning, a new musical adventure. It includes all the STRATOVARIUS qualities and brings them into a new era. If you ask me to compare it with previous albums, i would say that it's style is somewhere between "Visions" and "Elements" plus a lot of new fresh ideas. I really hope that the new line up will top the success of the previous years and we'll enjoy their next album in 2010 and not in 5 years... Go out and buy it as soon as possible.

8,5/10
Dimitris Melidis
http://www.metaleagle.com