New album *review* ...

[loztdignity]

Yea, I admit it, I downloaded the new album to check it out. Seeing I have bought 6 Stratovarius albums earlier I dont think anyone in their right minds can tell me anything!

Anyways, I was so fucking excited to hear the new stuff and I sat down with a cup of coffee and pupils and nostrils dilated for a ride into Stratoheaven!

Stratovarius have really changed course on this album, I mean really! There are no fast songs, only midtempo and slow, and the production is more gritty than before, sounds they like wanted more of a eighties rock sound, legacy of Dio, Priest and the sorts.

At my first listening I was very disappointed and really thought it was garbage. Honestly, I threw it away from my harddrive. But I downloaded it now again, and Im listening to it right now. I decided I have to give it a chance and really listen to it, considering its Strato after all! My favourite band along with old Norwegian black metal (lol yea I know people tell me this is weird all the time).

So, this opening song starts up, at first I thought, well ok this is the "Hunting high and low/Eagleheart" single. But no.

Actually Maniac Dance and Fight are pretty good songs, especially Manic Dance which has some cool vocal lines in it, also where TK sings harsher than ever, and the production is gritty and heavy. Its decent, besides the fact that it sounds like a half-done song (like many do on this album).

Fight is very strong, until the chorus comes, which is just repetitive and boring. I mean the lyrics are good but chorus is just boring and sounds not done.

Just carry on starts out good, and has a very nice bridge to the chorus, which so much reminds of cool eighties metal. The chorus is actually decent, but could be stronger (this goes for like all choruses on the album). But its an okey song.

Back to madness is a boring song, with a Kotipelto who sounds out of his range in the chorus. This feels like a leftover from old ideas. Next please.

Gypsy in me is just horrible, and serves no purpose at all. Also feels like leftovers from previous songs. Its really bad.

Götterdämmerung starts out VERY cool, with an epic sound with a sweet, discrete keyboardthing in the background. The chorus is also pretty cool, sounds a bit like old Strato-song Babylon.
Though this is not good as it could have been.

The land of ice and snow is just embarrasingly bad. Some kind of pathetic ballad to Finland....no, this song shouldnt have been on a record.

Leave the tribe sports the best chorus of all the songs, altho the song generally is not really good. Standard Strato-material.

United is pretty good, although sounds pretty standard, but shows some good song-writing.

All in all, I am dissappointed with this album, it doesnt sound much like the Stratovarius we know. Bear in mind, despite the positive stuff I said its not a good album by Strato-standards.

I wish Tolkki would write more songs in the vein of Götterdämmerung, epic stuff.
Basically this album sounds half-done with leftover ideas. And there is no passion!

/Jens, over and out.

[CottonCandy]

And, nost importantly, this is just your opinion!

[StratoHeart]

CottonCandy said it all.

I hear only United, and all I can say is that it sounds much better than any songs in both Elements. It just remembered me the good times. Yes, it's not as good as the better songs they have already made, but whom (sincerely) does expect for this? I just want to hear back their pleasure to play the songs, which didn't happen in the two previous albuns.

[shaz]

I personally think you should put a bit more effort to your "review" than just typing up "This song just sucks" etc. after every seperate title. Just my opinion.

[Aresius]

i dotn agree with your review....

anyway you should wait until the cd is out, probably this thread will be deleted

[Hellovarius the Simp]

Yea, I admit it, I downloaded the new album to check it out. Seeing I have bought 6 Stratovarius albums earlier I dont think anyone in their right minds can tell me anything!

So, you have downloaded it, and you can say only bad things.
Ok, then I can only say: :fuckoff:

[Stratofanius]

I really don't agree with this review. I have heard Maniac Dance and Just Carry On + 3 song clips.

Maniac Dance is brilliant, cool and different than before! Strong instruments and really good Koti's agressive vocal lines are awesome.

I have heard only clip of Fight, but it's great!!!

Just Carry On is very good, but maybe too long. And keyboard-outro in the end should be in the beginning, it's magical.

Back to Madness's clip is awesome. Koti's singing is veeeery good and this is maybe one of the best songs in the album. Of course I have only heard the clip, but still...

Gypsy In Me wasn't so awesome than other 4 songs I have heard, but is quite good. And that was only the clip.

It's hard to make any review for me because I have heard only few songs + clips. But this material is so good that this will be the best album after Visions and Destiny. But I have to listen whole album first.

OK, that's it. My before-review. With my own opinions

[therabbidchimp]

Since this is the Review Topic:

Maniac Dance - It's the single, the video song. The intro got me at first, and then it turns into the nicest, heaviest beat. Some great lyrics that seem to match the past years events concerning the band. The whole song is great, with some getting used to. My only gripe thats survived having it on almost 24/7 is the chorus, what is 'the maniac dance'?

Fight!!! - This song is almost the opposite of maniac dance, I'm not a fan of the verses, but I really enjoy the pre/chorus. Definitly can't say it's bad.

Just Carry On - What will eventually be a classic no doubt, possibly the second single off the CD (IMO), some great keyboards, and something that holds true for all my fav. strato songs, you can clearly pick out the bass line. Also some traditionaly awesome uplifting Strato lyrics.

Back to Madness - I don't know what anyone else is thinking, I love this song. Alright the exceptionally long opera singing in the middle is a bit much, but the chorus is spectacular. Also the biuld up in the beggining, great stuff.

Gypsy in Me - Probably the fastest song on the CD, which isn't saying much. My new fav. TT solo came from this song, which I thought would never happen after Liberty on EP2. I think every fan will like this one, it has all the old elements, some double bass I believe, fast guitars, TK singing high, the earmarks of a winner. I really like the lyrics except, again, the chorus, 'a gypsy in me'? Maybe whenthe Cd comes out and we get official lyrics it will make more sense but untill then ...

Gotterdamerung (zenith of power) - The Hitler song. Personally, I feel it's very repetative, but if I don't notice it come on or can't switch it before the 1st verse starts I really get into it. In the prerelease version you can barely hear the Fuer speak under TK's vocals. Probably my least fav. song on the CD.

The Land of Ice and Snow - An awesomely epic ballad about Finland (right?), short, to the point, awesome dynamics, lyrics are nice as well.

Leave the Tribe - Fav. new song. Great beat, guitars (bass and lead), drums stick in your head forever, keyboards seem a bit light, but when you hear them it's great, and the chorus is strung along by TK's great voice. It's just hard to describe.

United - Great song, I really think this could be the opener or closer for the upcoming world tour concerts. It's very obviously about the band reuniting, and quite the masterpiece. Another gem of a solo is in this song. Everytime I listen to this song though all I can possibly see is at the long instrumental ending, TT/TK getting together on stage and shaking hands in front of the fans, powerful.

Overall - This album takes some getting used to, I definitly wasn't very excited the first time I heard the songs, but after awhile the whole thing really floored me. I'm not lying when I say this is probably better than both parts of elements. It's a step up for Strato, but at the same time a step in another direction and every fan should keep that in mind when purchasing/dl'ing.

[Aresius]

i think that elements are better, i dont understand why people dont like so muuch th elements album, i just love them

[Holy Light]

The elements albums are great. They really have some great songs on them and most of all masterful production. They also have great solos. The solos are different than previous albums, but still good. I had mixed thoughts on the albums before, but I came to this conclusion. Elements also create a great atmosphere. I can feel what Tolkki was trying to do and what he accomplished.

[Stratofanius]

Just Carry On - What will eventually be a classic no doubt, possibly the second single off the CD

Well, Jens Johansson said this at Soundi-magazine:

United
"The battle of first single track was between Maniac Dance and United.

[Solberg]

I totally agree with the first guy that the songs are like half-done......i don't like how the drum sounds, and i think TK doesn't do what he can do, for example in just carry one when it sais something like " just carry on..fulfill your dreams, don't let them try to...." the phrase that follows it really break my ears in the way TK sing it. i'm a big fan of him but i think he could do it better
maniac dance it isn't strato and i would prefer "united" to be the first single

few words:
*maniac dance: don't like the riff, nothing melodic
*fight: great lyrics, good chorus and keys
*just carry on: like the way the song is structured
*back to madness: wow! the soprano in the song pisses me off!! hehe
*gypsy in me: great intro
*Götterdämmerung: i haven't heard it
*The land of ice and snow: great, excellent ballad...sang with passion. i don't like how the volume changes where the whole band appears at the end of the song
*leave the tribe: haven't heard it
*united: kind of an anthem, epic lyrics...strange keyboards at the end. like the bridge before tk starts singing

[loztdignity]

Well, one guy meant I should be ashamed because I downloaded the album, again I will mention what I said. I have bought 6 stratovarius CD:s. More than the very most people in the world have. Shut up now, or leave embarrased. Next please...

Anyways, I was thinking about how you love a band. Please, allow me to elaborate, I truly love Stratovarius. Well, I think the band really flourished when Kotipelto, one of the best melodic hard rock singers in the world, joined the band.
I like The albums before as well, and Tolkki actually sings quite well in many tracks, and the music is just....great. Then again Tolkki made it, can it be bad?

I love Episode/Visions/Destiny/Infinite/E1 and 2.

I really do. These records are all supreme. I wouldnt write a review of my favourite band if I didn't like them. What I am saying is that I want to be honest. This is basically not the Stratovarius you are used to. This is more of a hard rock/80's sound.

I still think the songs sound half done, and I think this CD will be just a paranthesis in Stratovarius history (I hope). Because its not good.

I know alot of fans will TRY and like the cd just because they LOVE the band. I tried as well. Unfortunately I didn't. I have nothing against progression, if its done well....(pun intended).

I can't honestly believe how anyone can think this album is great. The songs "Gypsy in me" and "Land of ice and snow" should be an example of bad songwriting and how to make a complete fool out of yourself.

[CottonCandy]

Well-er-how do I say it?
This album is something special, and out of the ordinary.
Maybe we will be blind to alot of things. This is the first album after a period where we did not know Stratovarius would live or not.
So, its somewhat special. Pardon us if we like it a bit too much. We have waited, and longed for this CD. Its like a symbol. Stratovarius survives.
Know what I mean

[StratoHeart]

I did get what you mean, CC, but don't you agree it's also a little bit dangerous? That's my case. I did'nt hear the album, I just heard United, and I am afraid of what I'm going to hear after the release.
I was excited about the Stratovarius back right after Intermission, after the break, and I was pretty disappointed with the "great back". And maybe because I was awaiting it very, very much.

Don't you agree?

[CottonCandy]

StratoHeart, who knows what the future holds?
All the guys can do is release this CD to the public, and let the chips fall!
Either the people will like it, they won't or more likely, some will like it and others won't! Isn't that how it happens with most albums?
What can the fans do? Not all songs will be liked, but I think this CD will be accepted and bought by most StratoFans. We have waited for this! This is Strato's "Rebirth" and I think most fans want to be a part of it!

[Equinox]

We have waited for this! This is Strato's "Rebirth" and I think most fans want to be a part of it!

I want to be part of it.

[Black_Lion]

I think it's an EXCELLENT album. It's different, not bad, only different. I love it. It will be great to listen the tracks live!

[Texidor]

Well I will have to admit my guilt in saying that I myself downloaded the new record. I have always bought many Strat records ( actually all of them ). Maybe this is not an excuse but i wanted to give my review of this record and let the fans know how I feel about this hot debate!!!!!!!!

Well before I begin let me tell you that if you are expecting flashiness and over the top on this record then you will have trouble enjoying it. This I don't think was suppose to be that kind of record. I think what they were trying to achieve was a record that had soul and backbone and not just, lets put a fast solo here because it fits. This a record that flows and some people may have to be in the right frame of mind to listen to it. Here's a track by track that may help you:

Maniac Dance; My first listen to this one and I had to replay to make sure i had the right album. This song is as heavy as they come but it has a great riff line that you'll be humming for weeks. The lyrics are very reflectant on the turmoil that they went through. May not be the most melodic song but it sure has balls where it counts!

Fight: Just like the prior song this one may take a extra listen. Once again the verse is very solid and in your face. But this song also graces us with a fist in the air chorus. This song is destined to be one of those essential road trip songs. Also the keyboard are not plentiful but add the right touch and emotion.

Just Carry On: You want to talk about a song that is going to really get you going is this one. The structure is perfection and leads to a chorus to die for. The first listen and your hooked in. Also note that magical keys at the end. Still this album does not let you go!

Back to Madness: The beast is back! That is all I can say. This song is going to hit your soul if you ever had a really bad time in your life. The riff is wild and the vocals are some of the most powerful ever. The middle is kinda of odd but its a song about madness and the darkness needs to be represented and its done well. The end will have you hypnotized by the eerie but true speech at the end. The piano grabs you instantly. EPIC! that is the word.

Gypsy In Me: Stratovarius- the way we like it. Even though not too fast and crazy, this song has a smooth flowing feel to it. The bridge leading to the chorus is awesome. Also the keyboard is in overdrive here but still smooth and classy. Some people may think not too highly of this one but once again its as solid as they come.

The Land Of Ice And Snow: Okay maybe this one should've been at the end of the album but still this little ballad about there homeland has a lot of heart. It kinda mellows you out the melody is very nice. Forever 2- I don't think so - this song has enough to have its own identity.

Gotterdammerung ( Zenith of Power ): OKay kids maybe they should've stuck with "Hitler". I am not even trying to pronounce that one. Okay this song you will have to really be in the mood to listen. By any means this is not a bad song and has alot of power and meaning. But This song is very hypnotic and I think its getting bad reviews because of its repetition. I like it I think the repetition is to disturb you and actually listen to the meaning of the song more. The keyboard once again is left to the end of the song. My least fave on the album but deserves kudos.

Leave the Tribe: Closet to classic Stratovarius in my opinion. The riff is very rock and the choir are very cool. This is going to go great live. Koti sounds awesome as usual. The bass line is awesome . The guitar.......well you get the picture. The chorus once again will grab and have you hummng it for days.

United: MY GOD !!!!!!!!!! This has become the anthem of all anthems. The beginning is very metal and I like that. That galloping old school style. The vocals are good and the instruments once again solid. Then BOOM!!!!!!
You are hit with the most breathtaking chorus I have ever heard. Once again Jens gets to show off his stuff on this one. Then after a great solo from Tolkki the song goes into even more of an epic moment. I can describe this as the ultimate fan song ever. Everything is heart pounding. Top that with awesome choir its a surprise you are not crying while you are pounding your fist. A perfect 10 !!!!!!!


Well there you have it. 10 out of 10 and thats that. You may disagree but thats why its called an opinion kids. Okay guilty of downlaoding but I promise to buy at least two copies and I have my ticket for the tour. Go get em guys!


Strato Forever

[Seiya]

well I havent heard the new album yet. havent donwloaded. although a friend of mine sent me "united" 2 days ago, and how could I not listen to it. Ive ben restraining myself to not download the album, besides the fact that I own every single stratovarius orginal album. but I thought listening to just one song wouldnt hurt anyone, and besides.. it was like THERE on my inbox!! hehe how could I say no.

so all i can say is..

I LOVE THIS SONG! i hope the rest of the album is this good. It took me back to the fourth dimension... this song is like taken from that album. kotipelto sings just like in fourth dimension in my opinion, and just everything about the song is perfect.

[Stratofanius]

What a lot of shiiit you all talk

What are you trying to say

[Stealth]

I've been waiting for Strato's comeback for a long time. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the new album. I'm not saying anything bad about the band, they wanted to change the style and if they are happy, that's good. Still, I personally don't like it very much. I also noticed that there are very few keyboards on the album, and I love those atmospheric keyboard sounds as well as Jens' keyboard solos... where are they? The whole album sounds "drier" and more aggressive without keyboards.
I really miss the times of Episode and Destiny...

[brought2ubyletterC]

Since everyone else seems to be in the mood to confess, I may as well do the same and admit that a friend of mine sent me a burned copy of the new Strato CD, knowing how much I wanted to hear it. Let me say that I will still be buying my copy when it comes out; I have every single Strato CD from Fright Night all the way to the Elements albums (not to mention that I have bought several singles, the DVD, two t-shirts, and concert tickets, so I have definitely shelled out a lot of money Strato's way; I am not going to listen to anyone's criticism of me wanting to hear the new stuff a little early!), and this album will be no exception.

It was about a month ago when I got the copy of the CD, and that weekend my boyfriend and I sat together and listened to it (as we are both huge Stratofans). He was disappointed by it. I personally thought that Strato was moving in a new direction, and that it was good for them. I disagree that "Back to Madness" is terrible, that is probably my favorite song on the album right now. I strongly disagree that "Land of Ice and Snow" is bad. I think the lyrics are a moving tribute to a wonderful people. "Zenith of Power" is a f*ckin' awesome song and while I don't claim to know what everyone is going to like, I do think this will be a favorite for many when they get the chance to listen to it.

I understand the feelings people have towards the new album. I knew when I heard it that this was definitely going to be something that divided the fans. It's going to be a love/hate album, that is for sure. If you dig deep enough, you will find that the core of Strato is still there and stronger than before, the sound is just refreshingly different. I can't wait to hear these songs done live.

Again, I am no mind-reader and I can't predict what everyone likes or dislikes. But if you're a person who wants a band to repeat the same album/sound over and over again, this Stratoalbum may be hard for you to digest at first. If you're someone who likes to be surprised by a band from album to album, this album does just that. It is like nothing Strato has ever done before, and to me, that's a great thing. I love all the old albums too, but I never want a band to become so familiar to me that I can always guess where they're going next. I think the album is kick-ass, I can't wait to hold an official copy in my hands, and I can't wait to see these songs done live on October 9th!!!

[Sir. Decadence]

Well, maybe I make my own little rating too:

1. Maniac Dance
Too simple song for me, but ok single song.
I like the heaviness of it, but chorus isn't so great.

2. Fight
Holy shit! This is something that I didn't expect from Strato.
Sounds awesome, headbanging song and the chorus is amazing!
Guitars are great. This is real heavy metal!

3. Just Carry On
This is nice song.
I like the sounds in the album and Strato sounds a lot better here without double-bass drums.
This song makes me feel better, yes.

4. Back to Madness
This is a genius song, very progressive.
There's is beautiful keyboard-things, opera-singing and powerful chorus.
One of the best Stratosongs.

5. Gypsy in Me
This sounds more like old Strato-stuff.
A little bit faster song, I like it.

6. Götterdämmerung (Zenith Of Power)
Well, this is the hitler song.
This one takes a lot of time to get in it.
The chorus isn't so great, it sounds a much like Babylon.
But I like this song also, it's really powerful song.
And there's part which sounds a lot Iron Maiden.

7. The Land of Ice and Snow
This sounds like Forever.
I love this song, it had made me cry many times.
It's just so beautiful and there's also powerful part which is easily the climax of the song.
Lyrics are beautiful, but I know, I'm from Finland and this is song about us.

8. Leave the Tribe
This is also one of my favourite songs in the album.
It's also powerful and it has awesome chorus.

9. United
This song gives me shivers at the end of it.
Great song about the band and excellent ending song for the album.
The chorus is amazing and there's also cool solos and part that sounds also like Iron Maiden a little bit.

Summary: this is really the 3th best album that Strato (Tolkki) has made (after Visions and Episode). This is something fresh after Elements (which aren't bad, don't get me wrong) and a great new beginning of Stratovarius. I love this album! Everyone should buy it. When my friend heard it, he started to listen Stratovarius, eventhough he didn't like Strato before. Magic!

[julkimo]

I had to edit this post. Stratovarius is Stratos best album after episode, visions and destiny.

[Dave]

i've told you long before.. united is such a great song..

[jif26]

I wonder why this post hasn't been deleted yet, but what the heck.

If you love the bombastic, fast, majestic, epic side of Strato, this is NOT for you.

If you're more into those "Kiss of Judas", "SOS" type songs...then you'll probably like it.

This is more of an 80's rock album... Maniac Dance, for example, is not opener material. I'd say this would be more a b-side type song or a bonus song.

Hold on to your seats there. Depends what you're looking for in Strato. This one is not for me. Knowing this forum, probably everyone will love it. Good for the band. I don't want Strato's downfall, they're way up there... Also, this more 'accessible' side of Strato will probably make it sell more.

I'm just a dissapointed fan with this one

The second half of "United" is awesome though.

[grim2006]

I hope that any of you who have illegal copies of any of Stratovarius' new songs will buy the new album or delete the files! I'm sick of hearing about the effects of File-Sharing on the music industry. People like me use the P2P networks to help expand our choice of music we listen to. As 90% or more of the media is taken up with Hip-Hop, Pop and boy-band Rock (at least in NZ, where I live), it is hard to find new metal music. It must be found by searching the internet or word of mouth, and word of mouth still isn't very good for telling if you like a band.

Back when I was poorer, i.e. in high school and no job, I downloaded almost all of Metallica's songs and all Rammstein's songs. I now own 11 Metallica albums and 4 Rammstein albums, even though I already had the music illegally. Same thing for Stratovarius. I searched "metal" on Kazaa and downloaded a lot of songs. One was Black Diamond by Stratovarius. At the start of this year, all I had was Black Diamond (illegally) and I loved it, but I still didn't know anything else about Stratovarius or their music. Now, I own 5 albums and the DVD, and hopefully by the year's end, I'll own all the Stratovarius CDs. The fact I can't just walk into a store and buy them is annoying though. Stupid Pop and Hip-Hop

Point is, P2P can be used for good, so if you are going to use it (or MP3 web-sites), delete the music if you hate it or buy the albums if you like it. Like one or two songs? Go to MSN Music or iTunes and buy them (if they have it).

Anyway, can someone tell me if there is a place I can go to listen to legal clips of even 1 of Stratovarius' new songs. You people have me intrigued now.

I like most of Stratovarius' music so as people have been saying "your opinion is YOUR opinion". Thanks for getting me interested, though

[Latuman]

I hope that any of you who have illegal copies of any of Stratovarius' new songs will buy the new album or delete the files!

Thats how it works, my friend

[debro]

guilty!! but i'll buy the record.. so...

anyways... i'll wait 'til i buy it to post a full review...

just wanted to point something out:

does anyone else think that Maniac Dance sounds a lot like late Megadeth?? even the solo sounds like some kind of Mustaine o_o not that is a bad thing, i like the song!

and... where are jens keys? i don't know if i got an unfinished version of the album, but i cant "feel" the keyboards, the background keyboards present in almost every stratosong.... and the solos! i think i only heard 1 jens' solo in the whole album!

well... that said... i'll wait 'til i get the CD