Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
- fernando_levy
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Since I went to the Stratovarius gig here in Monterrey, Mexico, 2 days ago, I had been checking this site for updates on the tour diary. Tolkki just wrote today about the shows here in Monterrey and the one in Guadalajara. I was deeply moved by what he said. I am convinced he's now much more stable and humble; he was great at the Monterrey show. He (and the other band members) really care about their fans... and I agree with him regarding Lauri Porra; the fact that he joined the band was one of the best moments ever in Stratovarius history. Stratovarius seems much more powerful and stable than ever. I think the support we fans can give them goes way beyond any expectations; we held on to our dream, which was to see Stratovarius together again, and it came true. I can't wait for their new album to be sold here in Mexico. All I can say right now (these words don't make my feelings justice) thank you, Stratovarius, for being one of the best experiences in my life.
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Re: Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
I join you in everything you say. This is the same for me. I'm happy to see my dream come true. Stratovarius is alive, arise, united, and stronger than ever.
And this is not just a rock band playing their stuff again. Stratovarius carries a big message within!
Let's all spread it!
And this is not just a rock band playing their stuff again. Stratovarius carries a big message within!
Let's all spread it!
Mariano
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Re: Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
On 18th November I'll say the same!Inventariado wrote:I'm happy to see my dream come true. Stratovarius is alive, arise, united, and stronger than ever.
And this is not just a rock band playing their stuff again. Stratovarius carries a big message within!
Let's all spread it!

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Re: Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
And here on 29th October.eternity_strato wrote:On 18th November I'll say the same!Inventariado wrote:I'm happy to see my dream come true. Stratovarius is alive, arise, united, and stronger than ever.
And this is not just a rock band playing their stuff again. Stratovarius carries a big message within!
Let's all spread it!


"I shall seize Fate by the throat; it shall certainly not bend and crush me completely"
- browneyedgirl
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Re: Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
Well, I like the music, first&foremost. If I were not a true fan I would not buy their albums, DVD, and post on this forum. 
Secondly, I think they have set a great example of loyalty&perseverance&strength. To not give up against all odds.
And, Forgiveness. We should be reminded that stubbornness&Ego can hinder relationships, and at times, we should put aside our own selfish feelings for the greater good of the whole. We should not hold grudges, for these petty&angry feelings hold us back from being the best we can be--and, from being true to ourselves, and ultimately to others.
Finally, Stratovarius says alot about being independent&"finding your own voice" yet, at the same time respecting others who are, or want to be, different. I have gained alot of confidence&self-esteem from the influence of Strato, and their music.
I just hope they realize what a influence they do have on their fans&the Metal community as a whole!

Secondly, I think they have set a great example of loyalty&perseverance&strength. To not give up against all odds.
And, Forgiveness. We should be reminded that stubbornness&Ego can hinder relationships, and at times, we should put aside our own selfish feelings for the greater good of the whole. We should not hold grudges, for these petty&angry feelings hold us back from being the best we can be--and, from being true to ourselves, and ultimately to others.
Finally, Stratovarius says alot about being independent&"finding your own voice" yet, at the same time respecting others who are, or want to be, different. I have gained alot of confidence&self-esteem from the influence of Strato, and their music.
I just hope they realize what a influence they do have on their fans&the Metal community as a whole!
"Your life is yours, and yours alone. Rise up and live it!"
Bob: I don't believe in God.
Archangel Michael: That's OK, Bob, because He doesn't believe in you, either!~Legion~
Bob: I don't believe in God.
Archangel Michael: That's OK, Bob, because He doesn't believe in you, either!~Legion~
Re: Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
I've just read TT's statement and I must say I agree with him... when I first listened Stratovarius and when I understood the lyrics I knew it was a band that had something to say. That's why I think this band is so important... these guys do have something to say and the things TT is saying are really true. I think Nature is answering to our acts really loud and only a blind would choose to be fooled at this point of our lives.
This is not about fanaticism neither demagogy, but I think it's time to open our eyes.
One thing I thought that was amazing and really important is that during the United song a video shows the Universal Declaration of Human Rights... I bet most of the people never read it, and a good part of the ones who read even paid attention.
I think we all should read it... I do believe the world is fucked up but change has to start somewhere, somehow.
http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html
This is not about fanaticism neither demagogy, but I think it's time to open our eyes.
One thing I thought that was amazing and really important is that during the United song a video shows the Universal Declaration of Human Rights... I bet most of the people never read it, and a good part of the ones who read even paid attention.
I think we all should read it... I do believe the world is fucked up but change has to start somewhere, somehow.
http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html
Lady Elecktra - Warrioress and Keeper of the Light of Booga
You are responsible, forever, for what you have tamed. - Antoine de Saint-Exupery
You are responsible, forever, for what you have tamed. - Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Re: Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
Cristiane, thanks for that link!
I agree with what's been said. To me, Strato is not only great music, but great lyrics that inspire and uplift. I love many bands, but not in the same way as Strato, as I don't relate to the lyrics as much.
Strato music to me is the mirror for the strength to overcome anything, which we all have the power within to do. Tolkki is a good example of that... my "depression" a few years back, when I first discovered Strato, was the normal sort that can be fixed with pills and therapy. Timo's is a lot more serious imbalance of brain chemsitry, yet he has fought and won the battle of his own mind turning against him.
Can't think of much more courage than that.
I agree with what's been said. To me, Strato is not only great music, but great lyrics that inspire and uplift. I love many bands, but not in the same way as Strato, as I don't relate to the lyrics as much.
Strato music to me is the mirror for the strength to overcome anything, which we all have the power within to do. Tolkki is a good example of that... my "depression" a few years back, when I first discovered Strato, was the normal sort that can be fixed with pills and therapy. Timo's is a lot more serious imbalance of brain chemsitry, yet he has fought and won the battle of his own mind turning against him.
Can't think of much more courage than that.

The future is bright, and there's hope in the air,
Together we're singing, together we care.
Together we're singing, together we care.
- stratoplayer
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Re: Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
I learned to love strato for the music, but once i got into their lyrics and meanings they became my absolut favorite, mature songs transmitting real emotions about real issues (none of that o he broke of with me crap you hear ALL the time), of course the perfect melodies and riffs dont hurt either :headbang:
Close your eyes and try to remember, destroyed lullabies of days gone by
Close your eyes on the edge of forever, a chance to dream fast asleep your nightmare ends
Close your eyes on the edge of forever, a chance to dream fast asleep your nightmare ends
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Re: Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
No he didn't - Tolkki didn't overcome anything .Timo's is a lot more serious imbalance of brain chemsitry, yet he has fought and won the battle of his own mind turning against him.
Can't think of much more courage than that.
He acted like an ass for about a year, then his manic depression phase ended and for the next year he'll be normal again (before swinging back into weirdness because of his illness) and now everyone thinks he's a hero. He hasn't done anything.
"Anything that is too stupid to be spoken is sung." - Voltaire (1694-1778)
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Re: Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
Just wondering does that then harm you.fifthtea_sausage wrote:
He acted like an ass for about a year, then his manic depression phase ended and for the next year he'll be normal again (before swinging back into weirdness because of his illness) and now everyone thinks he's a hero. He hasn't done anything.

Well, that´s just a more cynical aspect of the TT situation.
"I shall seize Fate by the throat; it shall certainly not bend and crush me completely"
- Reroute2Remain
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Re: Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
Wow, such deep empathy... and such understanding.. compassionate conservative and psychiatry expert rolled into one eh..fifthtea_sausage wrote: No he didn't - Tolkki didn't overcome anything .
He acted like an ass for about a year, then his manic depression phase ended and for the next year he'll be normal again (before swinging back into weirdness because of his illness) and now everyone thinks he's a hero. He hasn't done anything.

fifthtea, what do you even understand or like about stratovarius music? That would be interesting to hear. Do you think of them as a heroic viking metal band or something that just happened to touch on some deeper things by mistake?

- browneyedgirl
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Re: Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
That human rights link was great, but how can nations get along when we cannot even get along with one another as individuals over nit-picky things&issues? 
Arrogance and looking down our nose at others, verbal abuse, judging, gossip, hypocrisy, two-facedness,making fun of others&judging others as unworthy&harshly. Making others not fit in, bullying--damn it, the list is endless.
Nobody is perfect, and it starts with ourselves--to be more accepting, peaceful&caring. We have to do our part&maybe others will follow our example!
I read what Tolkki wrote in his last Entry--how could any reasonable person disagree with him? What he said was true, but enforcing the ideals he stated is going to take lots of work&frankly, sometimes I think the human race is just not able to do what said.
It easy to fight&bicker&nit-pick others, and harder to see others point of view and get along because by nature Mankind is a stubborn selfish species. So, we have to overcome that innate nature and get along with others so this world can survive&grow to the greater good, not to our detriment.

Arrogance and looking down our nose at others, verbal abuse, judging, gossip, hypocrisy, two-facedness,making fun of others&judging others as unworthy&harshly. Making others not fit in, bullying--damn it, the list is endless.
Nobody is perfect, and it starts with ourselves--to be more accepting, peaceful&caring. We have to do our part&maybe others will follow our example!
I read what Tolkki wrote in his last Entry--how could any reasonable person disagree with him? What he said was true, but enforcing the ideals he stated is going to take lots of work&frankly, sometimes I think the human race is just not able to do what said.

It easy to fight&bicker&nit-pick others, and harder to see others point of view and get along because by nature Mankind is a stubborn selfish species. So, we have to overcome that innate nature and get along with others so this world can survive&grow to the greater good, not to our detriment.
"Your life is yours, and yours alone. Rise up and live it!"
Bob: I don't believe in God.
Archangel Michael: That's OK, Bob, because He doesn't believe in you, either!~Legion~
Bob: I don't believe in God.
Archangel Michael: That's OK, Bob, because He doesn't believe in you, either!~Legion~
- browneyedgirl
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Re: Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
Why don't you SING* that post, fifthTea? :pissed:fifthtea_sausage wrote:No he didn't - Tolkki didn't overcome anything .Timo's is a lot more serious imbalance of brain chemsitry, yet he has fought and won the battle of his own mind turning against him.
Can't think of much more courage than that.
He acted like an ass for about a year, then his manic depression phase ended and for the next year he'll be normal again (before swinging back into weirdness because of his illness) and now everyone thinks he's a hero. He hasn't done anything.
*Read his Sig by Voltaire.
"Your life is yours, and yours alone. Rise up and live it!"
Bob: I don't believe in God.
Archangel Michael: That's OK, Bob, because He doesn't believe in you, either!~Legion~
Bob: I don't believe in God.
Archangel Michael: That's OK, Bob, because He doesn't believe in you, either!~Legion~
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Re: Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
You are not expressing an opinion, you are judging another human being.fifthtea_sausage wrote:No he didn't - Tolkki didn't overcome anything .
He acted like an ass for about a year, then his manic depression phase ended and for the next year he'll be normal again (before swinging back into weirdness because of his illness) and now everyone thinks he's a hero. He hasn't done anything.
Do you know him personally? Have you talked with him and exchanged points of view? Have you spent time together so you can be sure how he feels? If you haven't, how can you be so sure about what he feels or thinks? Just for reading little statements on a website? I thought you were more intelligent than that...
You are always critizising when TT expresses his opinions telling that he's not the owner of the truth... and now (and always) with your judgements, are doing exactly the same what you critisize him for.
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Re: Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
:bigok: All things aside, thats pretty funnyWhy don't you SING* that post, fifthTea?
*Read his Sig by Voltaire.

Over the last several years, he's made it more than clear what he feels, and what he thinks. But I am not, at least in this current thread judging him from whatever part of his lifes philosophy he has shown on the forums/site. I am simply saying that his theoretical triumph over his illness isn't a triumph at all. Maybe some of you think he is a hero and he has done great things, but in this particular case, he hasn't done anything...Do you know him personally? Have you talked with him and exchanged points of view? Have you spent time together so you can be sure how he feels? If you haven't, how can you be so sure about what he feels or thinks? Just for reading little statements on a website? I thought you were more intelligent than that...
I'm simply tired of those stupid posts saying things like "UNITED IS THE BEST SONG TOLKKI HAS THE POWER TO UNITE HE IS A GOOD ROLE MODEL HE HAS OVERCOME THE DARKNESS AND HAS FOUND THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS I LOVE YOU TOLKKI".
And I'll be damned if I haven't read at least a few postings like that. Except they would use comma's, and it wouldn't be in caps, usually. I just added those in to make my point complete. But some of those people from south america and europe and even america have some pretty horrid spelling/punctuation etc...
"Anything that is too stupid to be spoken is sung." - Voltaire (1694-1778)
- stratoplayer
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Re: Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
well, some people think of tolkki as a hero because he overcame himself (think of Lance Armstrong, or a hypothetical relative who quit smoking, drinking and/or drugs) of course you would respect him/her and (well i would) listen to their point of view just on the grounds that they could have learned something from an expirience i have not gone through. can tolkki go back to being an asshole to koti and jorg, and make all the aweful decisions he made? of course, he is a human being and can make mistakes as easily as anyone
Close your eyes and try to remember, destroyed lullabies of days gone by
Close your eyes on the edge of forever, a chance to dream fast asleep your nightmare ends
Close your eyes on the edge of forever, a chance to dream fast asleep your nightmare ends
Re: Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
fifthtea_sausage wrote:Sorry about that
And I'll be damned if I haven't read at least a few postings like that. Except they would use comma's, and it wouldn't be in caps, usually. I just added those in to make my point complete. But some of those people from south america and europe and even america have some pretty horrid spelling/punctuation etc...English is not the native language of all the countries....

- stratoplayer
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Re: Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
Aresius wrote:Thank God (if there is one:P) for that! imagine how boring it would be... that and english is a VERY limited language....fifthtea_sausage wrote:Sorry about that
And I'll be damned if I haven't read at least a few postings like that. Except they would use comma's, and it wouldn't be in caps, usually. I just added those in to make my point complete. But some of those people from south america and europe and even america have some pretty horrid spelling/punctuation etc...English is not the native language of all the countries....
Close your eyes and try to remember, destroyed lullabies of days gone by
Close your eyes on the edge of forever, a chance to dream fast asleep your nightmare ends
Close your eyes on the edge of forever, a chance to dream fast asleep your nightmare ends
Medieval
Look dude, you see and I have to agree with stratoplayer, he is a human being, in any moment his illness may come back, who are you to judge his condition, are you perfect?, have you ever been sick? do you even know what a depression is? just like the other guy said, that is not your opinion, that is just an amateur pseudo-psychoanalysis based on unreliable information.
"Keep messing with TT, and I will bring two hard-pipe Brazilian dudes, and they will get MEDIEVAL on your ass
" Pulp Fiction/Stratosum
"Keep messing with TT, and I will bring two hard-pipe Brazilian dudes, and they will get MEDIEVAL on your ass

Re: Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
I have to agree with the general sentiment here.
Not only did I get to see Stratovarius twice in two days, but I got the rare oppurtunity to actually hang out in the bar afterwords with, at least, Timo Kotipelto, Lauri Porra, and Jorg Michael. If Timo Tolkki was not feeling bad, I am certain he would've been there (I guess this nasty heat and humidity was getting to him). This gave me the chance to really get to meet and know the guys. Since then, I've even managed to get to exchange some e-mail with Timo K.
I agree with Timo T. in his entry about Lauri Porra. Having talked with him personally for a good couple hours myself, I found out he really is a great guy (not to mention one friggan kick-ass bass player!). Very humble and definitly loves what he is doing (he told me!). In all my metaldom, this had to off been the best moment that I could ever hope to cherish!
My sincere thanks to Stratovarius for being such an awesome band, but also being great friends!
And I also agree that Timo T. about overcoming his sickness. From what I understand from talking with the band members themselves and from what I've read at this site, you guys just don't realize how close he came to suicidal tendencies. Had it not been the support from his friends (both in and out of the band) and family, and ultimatly Timo T. himself to face his demons, there was the real possibility that there could be no more Timo T (and most likely, no more Stratovarius!). That, is a scary thought! It is aweome, in my not so humble opinion here, that he overcame that and is back out performing in some kick-ass shows!
Is it possible for him to "relapse"? I hope not, but hey, just as was already said above, he is human and he makes mistakes. Manic-Depression is a serious illness. It is not like he could've just taken a couple asparin and stayed in bed for a day and be all better the next. It takes time, and in his case, it was serious enough to require medicinal help as well, to overcome this. I am certain everybody on here has done something truly boneheaded or had gotten ill enough to not be able to do anything for awhile, at least once in thier lives.
After those experiences, especially at Jaxx, I am a friggan fan forever! Even if the band does go to pots, I at least hope Timo Kotipelto will continue with his own musical career.
Like I said before, I truly hope I get to see these guys again, not only as a fan, but as a friend as well.
Not only did I get to see Stratovarius twice in two days, but I got the rare oppurtunity to actually hang out in the bar afterwords with, at least, Timo Kotipelto, Lauri Porra, and Jorg Michael. If Timo Tolkki was not feeling bad, I am certain he would've been there (I guess this nasty heat and humidity was getting to him). This gave me the chance to really get to meet and know the guys. Since then, I've even managed to get to exchange some e-mail with Timo K.
I agree with Timo T. in his entry about Lauri Porra. Having talked with him personally for a good couple hours myself, I found out he really is a great guy (not to mention one friggan kick-ass bass player!). Very humble and definitly loves what he is doing (he told me!). In all my metaldom, this had to off been the best moment that I could ever hope to cherish!
My sincere thanks to Stratovarius for being such an awesome band, but also being great friends!
And I also agree that Timo T. about overcoming his sickness. From what I understand from talking with the band members themselves and from what I've read at this site, you guys just don't realize how close he came to suicidal tendencies. Had it not been the support from his friends (both in and out of the band) and family, and ultimatly Timo T. himself to face his demons, there was the real possibility that there could be no more Timo T (and most likely, no more Stratovarius!). That, is a scary thought! It is aweome, in my not so humble opinion here, that he overcame that and is back out performing in some kick-ass shows!
Is it possible for him to "relapse"? I hope not, but hey, just as was already said above, he is human and he makes mistakes. Manic-Depression is a serious illness. It is not like he could've just taken a couple asparin and stayed in bed for a day and be all better the next. It takes time, and in his case, it was serious enough to require medicinal help as well, to overcome this. I am certain everybody on here has done something truly boneheaded or had gotten ill enough to not be able to do anything for awhile, at least once in thier lives.
After those experiences, especially at Jaxx, I am a friggan fan forever! Even if the band does go to pots, I at least hope Timo Kotipelto will continue with his own musical career.
Like I said before, I truly hope I get to see these guys again, not only as a fan, but as a friend as well.
Steven Konopa
Fredericksburg, VA
Play it HARD! Play it LOUD!
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- Stratolily
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Re: Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
I think you're talking without knowing fifthtea...fifthtea_sausage wrote:
He acted like an ass for about a year, then his manic depression phase ended and for the next year he'll be normal again (before swinging back into weirdness because of his illness) and now everyone thinks he's a hero. He hasn't done anything.
Timo is just a person who spend a very traumatic episode in his life and that moment will haunt him til he die...
I think that none of us can get a little bit close about what he felt, fels, and will feel...
Nobody can judge him, you just have to comprehen him...
- fernando_levy
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Re: Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
I agree with you guys here, first and foremost, Tolkki is HUMAN (even though his musical talent and skills maye be well beyond human skills
) so just let Tolkki express himself and accept him for what he is.

Re: Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
Word. 

The future is bright, and there's hope in the air,
Together we're singing, together we care.
Together we're singing, together we care.
- browneyedgirl
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Re: Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
50 guests accessing the Forum now--I think that says it all, don't you!? 
More&more fans every day. I knew once the guys hit North American shores it would be this way! Its great, isn't it?

More&more fans every day. I knew once the guys hit North American shores it would be this way! Its great, isn't it?

"Your life is yours, and yours alone. Rise up and live it!"
Bob: I don't believe in God.
Archangel Michael: That's OK, Bob, because He doesn't believe in you, either!~Legion~
Bob: I don't believe in God.
Archangel Michael: That's OK, Bob, because He doesn't believe in you, either!~Legion~
- stratoplayer
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Re: Stratovarius.... a bit about why I love them
well that sort of happens, once people see them (any band really that is worth it) live it makes a beleiver out of thembrowneyedgirl wrote:50 guests accessing the Forum now--I think that says it all, don't you!?
More&more fans every day. I knew once the guys hit North American shores it would be this way! Its great, isn't it?

Close your eyes and try to remember, destroyed lullabies of days gone by
Close your eyes on the edge of forever, a chance to dream fast asleep your nightmare ends
Close your eyes on the edge of forever, a chance to dream fast asleep your nightmare ends