Artist: Stratovarius
Label:Nuclear Blast
Release Date: 2/11/03
Rating: 4 Skulls
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Title: Elements Pt. 1 Artist: Stratovarius Label:Nuclear Blast Release Date: 2/11/03
Rating: 4 Skulls |
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Reviewed by Requiem (7/28/03):
You would think that a seasoned metalhead and power/prog metal fanatic would have heard Stratovarius by now, but the fact of the matter is I'm late on the issue. Next to Hammerfall, Rhapsody and Blind Guardian, Stratovarius are a crowd favorite of the genre and rightfully so having a longevity dating back to 1982 and an "ex-members of" list consisting of Running Wild, Yngwie Malmsteen and Dio. Now with 9 albums under their wing, number 10 illustrates a band that clearly deserves the hype both in diversity of songs and the polished song structures that encompass the disc's duration.Making an album that offers different tempos, emotions and styles can really keep things interesting if done right. Elements Pt. 1 succeeds in all this and showcases a revitalized band (after a 3 year hiatus) and an album that wears the Stratovarius logo with dignity. The album opens with a cheery singalong upbeat rocker that resembles a more stripped down version of a Rhapsody tune. Makes me want to raise a frosty mug of beer in the air. "Soul of a Vagabond" offers a more heavy metal opera feel, with crunchy guitars, majestic keyboards and simplistic, yet epic heavy metal drumming. It's a guaranteed horn throwing classic that defines heavy metal like no other. "Find Your Own Voice" has that amped up, power metal on Red Bull vibe with things full speed ahead making sure you're on your toes. It is here that keyboard wiz Jens Johansson struts his stuff with a speedy solo that will awe most onlookers. "Fantasia" has a chorus that'll be stuck in your head for days on end and "Papillon" serves it slow and heavy with another horn raiser come chorus time. "Stratofortress" is show-off time for all members on this fast paced classical meets metal quickie showing that Dream Theater aren't the only ones who can play their asses off. The title track is the anthem epic, which clocks in at a whopping 12 minutes. Presented in power ballad format, "Elements" comes forth with the strongest vocal arrangements of the album, complete with backing choir vocals that take the tune to the next level. Man, at times this vocalist bears some striking similarities to Michael Kiske, but who's complaining?
Stratovarius have proven here that their good reputation is unscarred. Although it's my first in depth exposure to the band, I can safely say that they have succeeded in creating a fluent album that will satisfy both power metal and prog fans alike. An album with this much musical integrity shows why the name Stratovarius is no stranger to the metal world. Carefully balancing itself out with a variety of metallic outputs, Elements Pt. 1 should keep your attention with its well rounded songwriting, not pigeonholing itself into a one dimensional corner like many bands end up doing. If you call yourself a fan of power metal, and can appreciate ridiculous musicianship, search no longer.
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