Stratovarius - Infinite


Year of Release: 2000
Label: Nuclear Blast
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 00:00:00

Stratovarius was formed back in '82 and has since '89 continuously released quality CDs. Showing an impressive productivity as a band, releasing 8 studio CD's, various singles, a Best Of, and a double live CD - they are established as one of the leading acts of the melodic power metal genre. This, their 8th album, is called Infinite.

First, let me say that those who like good old traditional Stratovarius will probably love this one as for those expecting or demanding something new, may just as well steer clear of this one and buy something else. All the trademarks of Stratovarius can be found on this CD. Up-tempo songs, melodic vocal-lines and huge, addictive choruses. Powerful guitars, pounding drums, awesome keys, excellent mid-to high ranged vocals, superb, compact, and bombastic production. I have to say that it took me a couple of spins before I really started enjoying this CD. I was a bit disappointed at first, but I have started to love these songs by now. The songs are even when it comes to quality, the CD is well balanced between up-tempo songs and more mellow songs, and all in all a stronger CD than Destiny. There are even some elements of prog metal to be found, Tolkki pulling off some seriously catchy chops, along with awesome key-solos by Johansson.

Some of you may think this is pure regurgitation of old Strato-songs, while some of you enjoy the fact that you know what to expect and what you get. When rating this I have to consider the lack of originality, but having said that, I'm not sure I would want it any other way. Too many bands have jumped on the band-wagon and really disappointed their fans. Stratovarius do what they know the best and I don't blame them. They still rule at what they do! Although not as good as Episode and Visions, this is far better than Destiny. Fans of the band will love this CD!

[This review originally appeared November 2002 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]


Tracklisting:
Hunting High And Low (4:08) / Millennium (4:09) / Mother Gaia (8:18) / Phoenix (6:13) / Glory Of The World (4:53) / A Million Light Years Away (5:19) / Freedom (5:03) / Infinity (9:21) / Celestial Dream (2:29)

Musicians:
Timo Tolkki - guitar
Timo Kotipelto - vocals
Jari Kainulainen - bass
Jens Johansson - keyboards
J?rg Michael - drums

Discography:
Fright Night (1989)
Twilight Time (1992)
Dreamspace (1994)
Fourth Dimension (1995)
Episode (1996)
Visions (1997)
The Past And Now (comp) (1997)
Destiny (1998)
Visions Of Europe (live) (1998)
The Chosen Ones (comp) (1999)
Infinite (2000)
Intermission (2001)
Elements Part I (2003)
Elements Part II (2003)
Stratovarius (2005)
Polaris (2009)
Elysium (2011)
Nemesis (2013)
Eternal (2015)
Best Of (2016)
Destiny (expanded reissue) (2016)
Visions Of Europe - Live (expanded reissue) (2016)
Enigma: Intermission II (2018)

Under Flaming Winter Skies (DVD)
Infinite Visions (DVD)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin FI

Added: February 19th 2005
Reviewer: Bjørnar Bevolden
Score:
Artist website: www.startovarius.com
Hits: 2668
Language: english

  

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