. I got started on Stratovarius about 2 years ago. I had seen articles about them in my guitar magazines and also saw that Jens Johansson was in the band. I have been familiar with Jens for years, being an Yngwie fan. I figured any band Jens was in has got to be pretty good. I went out and got "Elements Part 1". I was in awe! I got that feeling that I hadn't got since I first heard Malmsteen or Vai, where the hair on the back of my neck was standing up. It's hard to describe but you can hear bands and go, "yeah their pretty good", or "cool" and then you hear another band and then go "WOW", "HOLY SHIT" and just be blown out of the room. It's like I was finally hearing exactly what I wanted in a band. I went out the next day and bought every Stratovarius CD I could find here in Orlando. The musicianship is amazing. Every member of the band can just flat out burn! Two other things that I think Stratovarius has over other bands with great musicians, including many of Malmsteen's post Odyssey lineups is the strength of their songs and lyrics and Timo Kotipelto who has an incredible voice. The lyrics are very uplifting.
I am happy to see Stratovarius touring America, but also sad that they wont be anywhere near Orlando. I love my country, but have been so displeased with the music scene(or lack thereof) here. America for the most part has become dumbed down musically, so the fact that Stratovarius finds it necessary to tour the states gives me some hope that things may be starting to change here
I just hope they come to Florida on the next tour. Jesse
