One of the first albums I heard from them in the early 2000s. Impulse buy from a cd store.
Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
- NeverendingAbyss
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Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
I'll have to listen to Angra's Holy Land, then. I never got into Angra. At least the songs I've listened to were kind of generic.
What the fuck did you just fucking say about me, you little bitch?!
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Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
I checked and the sample size of reviews is so small < 10 that its probably not very meaningful. In that respect I think rym.com is much better as there are far more reviews.
But yes, its a fantastic band:
Angels Cry / Holy Land are two albums that are as strong as Episode / Visions (and there are not many!). My favorite of the two is Holy Land as its a concept album with a unique vibe. Very curious what your thoughts are on it.
The album Robocop posted, Temple of Shadows, is also widely considered their magnum opus- though because the lead singer had changed by this time, the fans are torn between the old era (Matos) and the new era (Falaschi).
They have a lot of other great albums, but those three (Angels Cry, Holy Land, and Temple of Shadows) are probably the strongest.
What NeverendingAbyss calls "generic" is probably the first album after the major lineup change, Rebirth. Still a great album (excellent production by Dennis Ward, incredible musicianship, melodies, and solos...but admittedly the songwriting is a bit generic).
Their most recent lineup actually has Fabio Lione on vocals. Still good but less essential.
Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
That's a fairly average sample size for Metal Archives, but fair point. I went on rateyourmusic.com and I felt like a complete idiot trying to understand the rating system. After digging around, it turns out that albums are rated out of 5.0... After checking out some of my favorite bands, it seems like "god tier" is anything around or above 3.5.AAAAAAAAAA wrote: ↑Sun Aug 16, 2020 7:21 pmI checked and the sample size of reviews is so small < 10 that its probably not very meaningful. In that respect I think rym.com is much better as there are far more reviews.
It seems like the problem with having a huge sample size is that almost all the bands that I checked out are rated around the 3.5 range... even the ones that I despise! Therefore, it's an unreliable source for determining that information. I think it's way more reliable to read reviews of even just one guy, if I know for a fact that he has the exact same tastes as myself.
Also, lmao that Awaken the Guardian is the highest rated Fate's Warning album on RYM. It also has the most ratings, by far.
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Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
When it comes to RYM, there are various biases to consider- same with any rating system.ZenithMC wrote: ↑Sun Aug 16, 2020 9:16 pm
That's a fairly average sample size for Metal Archives, but fair point. I went on rateyourmusic.com and I felt like a complete idiot trying to understand the rating system. After digging around, it turns out that albums are rated out of 5.0... After checking out some of my favorite bands, it seems like "god tier" is anything around or above 3.5.
It is most useful for comparing the quality of a band's albums to one another, or comparing the output of one band from a particular era to a band in the same genre and era. You'll notice all the highest ratest stuff in RYM is really old material: all the classic stuff is really inflated by nostalgic boomers.
There are various other biases but I want bore you!
Well, whatever it is you're trying to measure, more ratings is better than less ratings. Obviously the site can't tell you what YOU are going to like. If there are many albums in the 3.5 range it just means there are a lot of albums that some people like and some people don't.It seems like the problem with having a huge sample size is that almost all the bands that I checked out are rated around the 3.5 range... even the ones that I despise! Therefore, it's an unreliable source for determining that information.
I hate that album. What awful singing and production. Fate's Warning has better albums with Ray Alder, like Disconnected for example.Also, lmao that Awaken the Guardian is the highest rated Fate's Warning album on RYM. It also has the most ratings, by far.
Still, you can't deny that Awaken the Guardian is one of their most influential works.
Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
Welp, RYM just locked me out of the site by accusing me of being a robot. What, they can't handle like 10 band searches in 20 minutes? Give me a break...
Well anyway, time to go waste my time by solving a goddamned captcha...
This is definitely true.AAAAAAAAAA wrote: ↑Sun Aug 16, 2020 11:32 pmIt is most useful for comparing the quality of a band's albums to one another
This is less reliable, but maybe...AAAAAAAAAA wrote: ↑Sun Aug 16, 2020 11:32 pmor comparing the output of one band from a particular era to a band in the same genre and era.
Yes!AAAAAAAAAA wrote: ↑Sun Aug 16, 2020 11:32 pmYou'll notice all the highest ratest stuff in RYM is really old material: all the classic stuff is really inflated by nostalgic boomers.
Well anyway, time to go waste my time by solving a goddamned captcha...
Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
I'd like to listen to Angra on a beach in Brazil surrounded by oiled up AI sex bots while chugging a bottle of the cheapest beer.NeverendingAbyss wrote: ↑Sun Aug 16, 2020 6:33 pmI'll have to listen to Angra's Holy Land, then. I never got into Angra. At least the songs I've listened to were kind of generic.
Talking serious...I was never a huge fan either. I kind of weave in and out of different music all the time. If that is the album I'm thinking of, the production didn't sound very good to my ears and it kept me from even listening to any more of the album.
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Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
Give it another listen. I think the production is pristine, though its not a very heavy album.robocop wrote: ↑Thu Aug 20, 2020 5:58 amTalking serious...I was never a huge fan either. I kind of weave in and out of different music all the time. If that is the album I'm thinking of, the production didn't sound very good to my ears and it kept me from even listening to any more of the album.NeverendingAbyss wrote: ↑Sun Aug 16, 2020 6:33 pmI'll have to listen to Angra's Holy Land, then. I never got into Angra. At least the songs I've listened to were kind of generic.
It was produced by Charlie Bauerfeind and Sascha Paeth: two really famous producers you probably already heard of.
Temple of Shadows is a lot more conventional progressive/power metal album and I can respect if you like that more, but for me- Angels Cry/Holy Land are pure gold.
Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
I haven’t heard Temple of Shadows for so long. Other than when I posted it here. So..I listened to the early albums. Well, just a tiny bit. I’m not satisfied with the quality on the streaming app I use. Looking around for high quality rips of it. I do like the shred/wank over the top at the first songs start on holy land. That always surprised me hearing that originally. I’ll check back when I have time I sit down and listen to the full early albums on my good headphones and interface.AAAAAAAAAA wrote: ↑Thu Aug 20, 2020 7:49 am
Give it another listen. I think the production is pristine, though its not a very heavy album.
It was produced by Charlie Bauerfeind and Sascha Paeth: two really famous producers you probably already heard of.
Temple of Shadows is a lot more conventional progressive/power metal album and I can respect if you like that more, but for me- Angels Cry/Holy Land are pure gold.
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Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
I am a huge fan of Rebirth but Temple of Shadows has always been forgettable for me. No matter how many times I try to listen I always zone out and forget what I've heard. Same thing with the last two - love Secret Garden, can't remember a thing from Omni.
Love Angels Cry - it sounds like a completely different band recorded it.
Love Angels Cry - it sounds like a completely different band recorded it.
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Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
Alongside Rebirth, Temple of Sahdows is Angra's best album so far.SentineLEX wrote: ↑Thu Aug 20, 2020 6:23 pmI am a huge fan of Rebirth but Temple of Shadows has always been forgettable for me. No matter how many times I try to listen I always zone out and forget what I've heard. Same thing with the last two - love Secret Garden, can't remember a thing from Omni.
Love Angels Cry - it sounds like a completely different band recorded it.
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Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
Rebirth is another classic. A bit too generic power metal at times, but its so well executed and catchy that you have to love it.thefreeone wrote: ↑Thu Aug 20, 2020 7:35 pmAlongside Rebirth, Temple of Sahdows is Angra's best album so far.SentineLEX wrote: ↑Thu Aug 20, 2020 6:23 pmI am a huge fan of Rebirth but Temple of Shadows has always been forgettable for me. No matter how many times I try to listen I always zone out and forget what I've heard. Same thing with the last two - love Secret Garden, can't remember a thing from Omni.
Love Angels Cry - it sounds like a completely different band recorded it.
Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
Tried to listen to those 2 albums. Could not get through the songs.AAAAAAAAAA wrote: ↑Thu Aug 20, 2020 7:49 amGive it another listen. I think the production is pristine, though its not a very heavy album.
It was produced by Charlie Bauerfeind and Sascha Paeth: two really famous producers you probably already heard of.
Temple of Shadows is a lot more conventional progressive/power metal album and I can respect if you like that more, but for me- Angels Cry/Holy Land are pure gold.
I'm going to save the albums for when I'm in more of a different mood for songs like this.
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Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
I see. Well thanks for giving it a whirl. I guess you're more into a traditional riff-oriented heavy metal sound rather than the orchestral/symphonic excesses of early Angrarobocop wrote: ↑Thu Aug 20, 2020 8:39 pmTried to listen to those 2 albums. Could not get through the songs.AAAAAAAAAA wrote: ↑Thu Aug 20, 2020 7:49 amGive it another listen. I think the production is pristine, though its not a very heavy album.
It was produced by Charlie Bauerfeind and Sascha Paeth: two really famous producers you probably already heard of.
Temple of Shadows is a lot more conventional progressive/power metal album and I can respect if you like that more, but for me- Angels Cry/Holy Land are pure gold.
I'm going to save the albums for when I'm in more of a different mood for songs like this.
I also have phases.
I listened to Rhapsody of Fire and all derivative bands obsessively for like 5 months, and got so burned out that I'm into bands like Running Wild and Axel Rudi Pell now.
Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
I like lots of type of stuff. Doesn’t have to be like a US riff oriented power metal sound.
This is something like I’d enjoy for symphonic type:
I mean, I went through a phase where I even listened to Nightwish a lot. Mainly with Annette since I cannot stand the opera type of vocal.
I don’t want to spam with vids. Got to look up Tolkki to see if he’s still selling Avon, lmao.
FIELDSss Offff AVON!!!
This is something like I’d enjoy for symphonic type:
I mean, I went through a phase where I even listened to Nightwish a lot. Mainly with Annette since I cannot stand the opera type of vocal.
I don’t want to spam with vids. Got to look up Tolkki to see if he’s still selling Avon, lmao.
FIELDSss Offff AVON!!!
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Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
I preferred Anette as wellrobocop wrote: ↑Thu Aug 20, 2020 11:46 pmI like lots of type of stuff. Doesn’t have to be like a US riff oriented power metal sound.
This is something like I’d enjoy for symphonic type:
I mean, I went through a phase where I even listened to Nightwish a lot. Mainly with Annette since I cannot stand the opera type of vocal.
I don’t want to spam with vids. Got to look up Tolkki to see if he’s still selling Avon, lmao.
FIELDSss Offff AVON!!!
Although I'm sad Stratovarius didn't fully explore elementary-school-oriented-metal alongside their vocalist. That's the best kind of all.
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Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
Bizarre interview with Claudia Perl as she tells her side of the story...
Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
Thanks for the link. He's been with some many randoms so this is going to be exciting.
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Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
I saw your comment in Youtube:
Arnold Layne here. Tolkki told me to send him new underwear and five gallons of coca cola. His Avon and Herbalife business must be going well! Not a scam, duh. Self made.
I did hear the other song by Claudia Perl linked in the comments. Between her song and Robocop's anthem on burgers, I'd go with Robo.
Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
Forgot on thing. “Cheers from Leeds.”
You know what I’m noticing about these Angra albums again, there’s way more twists and turns with more dynamics than what I’m used to hearing. Even the Latin drum patterns I’m digging. Always wanted to learn how to play those. Got to dive in multiple listens here over a period of time for a more thorough listen.
Maybe I’m just leaning toward the more straight forward type of Episode songs when I’m thinking about my favorite power metal.SentineLEX wrote: ↑Fri Aug 21, 2020 1:04 am
I preferred Anette as well
Although I'm sad Stratovarius didn't fully explore elementary-school-oriented-metal alongside their vocalist. That's the best kind of all.
There is a time and place for it all. I’m sure they will try out different things eventually.
I mean, with the nightwish, I can also listen to the old stuff with the classic production that I love. It’s just that I prefer the Annette vocal style for some reason.
Are you into amazing quality audio? I’ve been looking for higher quality strato albums to buy. I found this and I’m excited to buy it:
https://www.prostudiomasters.com/album/page/22493
https://www.hdtracks.com/#/album/5dc310 ... f49b955a10
They also have visions of Europe on the hdtracks site.
I’ve got to eventually get better speakers. But my Studio headphones and interface will be fine for now. Destiny is also on one of those sites.
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Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
I wonder who was second choice for vocalist after Dreamspace, and third choice for that matter.
I listened to Holy Land while driving back to campus. It's a solid album! Clean, curvy, and with lots of good rythm.
I listened to Holy Land while driving back to campus. It's a solid album! Clean, curvy, and with lots of good rythm.
What the fuck did you just fucking say about me, you little bitch?!
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Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
Awesome, thanks for checking it out! At first, what I found most moving about Holy Land was the bombastic tracks like ZITO, Nothing to Say, Carolina IV, but now I find myself enjoying some of the more low key tunes like Deep Blue and Holy Land as well.NeverendingAbyss wrote: ↑Fri Aug 21, 2020 10:01 pmI wonder who was second choice for vocalist after Dreamspace, and third choice for that matter.
I listened to Holy Land while driving back to campus. It's a solid album! Clean, curvy, and with lots of good rythm.
Angels Cry is not any less of an album either: its just not as cohesive.
The second choice for vocalist of Stratovarius (or rather, the only other choice) was Nils Patrik Johansson. Not very well known, perhaps best known for his time in Wuthering Heights.
But it became clear that he was not a standard power metal singer: more Dio than Kiske.
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Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
That tune really resonated with me actually. Very epic and dramatic. I'm going to check out Dimmu Borgir. Heard their name a lot over the years but never gave them their due.
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Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
I think in my case I liked the more poppy sound she brought with her voice. Not to say I want the sound itself to go completely in the pop direction like she's doing with Jani, but Dark Passion Play was right around my ideal balance.robocop wrote: ↑Fri Aug 21, 2020 8:25 pmMaybe I’m just leaning toward the more straight forward type of Episode songs when I’m thinking about my favorite power metal.
There is a time and place for it all. I’m sure they will try out different things eventually.
I mean, with the nightwish, I can also listen to the old stuff with the classic production that I love. It’s just that I prefer the Annette vocal style for some reason.
When I first got into Strato back in like 2009 or 10 I listened to Black Diamond, didn't like it, found Hunting High and Low, loved it, and ended up falling in love with Infinite in particular. So I guess I just like poppy metal
Very much so! But I too need to get some better headphones in order to get a good listen.Are you into amazing quality audio? I’ve been looking for higher quality strato albums to buy. I found this and I’m excited to buy it:
https://www.prostudiomasters.com/album/page/22493
https://www.hdtracks.com/#/album/5dc310 ... f49b955a10
They also have visions of Europe on the hdtracks site.
I’ve got to eventually get better speakers. But my Studio headphones and interface will be fine for now. Destiny is also on one of those sites.
What could have beenAAAAAAAAAA wrote: ↑Fri Aug 21, 2020 10:22 pmAwesome, thanks for checking it out! At first, what I found most moving about Holy Land was the bombastic tracks like ZITO, Nothing to Say, Carolina IV, but now I find myself enjoying some of the more low key tunes like Deep Blue and Holy Land as well.NeverendingAbyss wrote: ↑Fri Aug 21, 2020 10:01 pmI wonder who was second choice for vocalist after Dreamspace, and third choice for that matter.
I listened to Holy Land while driving back to campus. It's a solid album! Clean, curvy, and with lots of good rythm.
Angels Cry is not any less of an album either: its just not as cohesive.
The second choice for vocalist of Stratovarius (or rather, the only other choice) was Nils Patrik Johansson. Not very well known, perhaps best known for his time in Wuthering Heights.
But it became clear that he was not a standard power metal singer: more Dio than Kiske.
Vocals: Nils Patrik Johansson
Keys: Jens Johansson
Drums: Anders Johansson
Guitar: Timo Tolkki
Bass: Jari Behm
Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
Which headphones are you interested in? Price range? Senheiser has always been a durable brand for me.
Now...of course there’s tip top pro ones. But I’m a broke bastard.
Do you have an audio interface?
Funny you mention the band with Jani. I seen some guy selling vinyl near me and in a mix of old records sealed there was that album!! Weird.
With pop infused...
I personally get bored to hell if I hear the verses with the plain ass beat and just a bass line over it.
Now...of course there’s tip top pro ones. But I’m a broke bastard.
Do you have an audio interface?
Funny you mention the band with Jani. I seen some guy selling vinyl near me and in a mix of old records sealed there was that album!! Weird.
With pop infused...
I personally get bored to hell if I hear the verses with the plain ass beat and just a bass line over it.
Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
Got another one for you.AAAAAAAAAA wrote: ↑Fri Aug 21, 2020 10:27 pmThat tune really resonated with me actually. Very epic and dramatic. I'm going to check out Dimmu Borgir. Heard their name a lot over the years but never gave them their due.
That Dimmu album had a older keyboard composer and is way more epic than any of their other albums imho. You may like others but that’s my fav.
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Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
That was pretty cool!!!!! I will check out the full album. Really mesmerizing.robocop wrote: ↑Sun Aug 23, 2020 8:17 pmGot another one for you.AAAAAAAAAA wrote: ↑Fri Aug 21, 2020 10:27 pmThat tune really resonated with me actually. Very epic and dramatic. I'm going to check out Dimmu Borgir. Heard their name a lot over the years but never gave them their due.
That Dimmu album had a older keyboard composer and is way more epic than any of their other albums imho. You may like others but that’s my fav.
Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
Jaja!!
A "normal" conversation in stratoforum...wat????? Between robolol and A10!!!
A "normal" conversation in stratoforum...wat????? Between robolol and A10!!!
...Faster than light, higher than the sky, stronger than steel...We´re the legions of the Twilight...
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Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
Do you believe in hope and faith?
What the fuck did you just fucking say about me, you little bitch?!
Re: Timo Tolkki's Avalon Pt. 3 and tour
Thanks to robo...yes!!
...Faster than light, higher than the sky, stronger than steel...We´re the legions of the Twilight...