Stratovarius "Elements" to be re-released

Label: Metal Mind Records
Cat. No.: MASS CD 1323 DG
Barcode: 5907785035416
Format: CD Digipak (limited edition of 2000 numbered copies)
Genre: progressive power metal
Release date: 21.09.2009 Europe / 01.12.2009 USA

 

 

1. Eagleheart
2. Soul Of A Vagabond
3. Find Your Own Voice
4. Fantasia
5. Learning To Fly
6. Papillon
7. Stratofortress
8. Elements
9. A Drop In The Ocean

 

Bonus tracks:
10. Papillon - French Version
11. Run Away
12. Find Your Own Voice (Demo Version)

Label: Metal Mind Records
Cat. No.: MASS CD 1324 DG
Barcode: 5907785035423
Format: CD Digipak (limited edition of 2000 numbered copies)
Genre: progressive power metal
Release date: 21.09.2009 Europe / 01.12.2009 USA

 

 

1. Alpha & Omega
2. I Walk To My Own Song
3. I'm Still Alive
4. Season Of Faith's Perfection
5. Awaken The Giant
6. Know The Difference
7. Luminous
8. Dreamweaver
9. Liberty

Bio
The beginnings of Stratovarius reach back to 1984, when three musicians – Tuomo Lassila (drums/vocals), John Vihervä (bass) and Staffan Stråhlman (guitar) formed a band called Black Water. In 1985, by Stråhlman’s idea, that name was changed to Stratovarius, a portmanteau of Stratocaster and Stradivarius. Later that year Stråhlman parted with the group and a young guitarist Timo Tolkki stepped in as his replacement. He also took on the vocal duties, as well as assumed most of the songwriting. His presence brought in the rock and neo-classical influences, which later became the band’s trademark. In 1987 Stratovarius recorded their first demo (featuring the songs “Future Shock”, “Fright Night” and “Night Screamer”), which they sent to numerous record labels. Finally, CBS Finland decided to give the group a chance and in 1988 released Stratovarius’ two singles – “Future Shock” and “Black Night”, followed in 1989 by a full-length album – “Fright Night”. The LP was considered by reviewers as a very promising debut, but that didn’t satisfy the label, which dropped the band within a year. After some personnel changes, Stratovarius returned in 1991 with a new record deal (Bluelight Records) and a new album, called simply “Stratovarius II”. Unfortunately, the cooperation with the new label didn’t turn out as well as expected, hence Stratovarius moved to Noise Records in 1992 and re-released their second opus under the new title “Twilight Time”. The third album, “Dreamscape”, followed in 1994 and featured the band’s new bass player – Jari Kainulaien. 1994 also welcomed another grand change in the group’s lineup, when Timo Kotipelto was hired as a full-time vocalist. The first album with Timo on vocals – “Fourth Dimension” – was released in 1995 and proved to be a great success, taking Stratovarius’ music on a whole new level. Unfortunately, the fresh musical direction was not accepted by the band’s original drummer Tuomo Lassila, who soon left Stratovarius along with keyboardist Antii Ikonen. Fortunately, the group soon found worthy replacements: Swedish keyboardist Jens Johansson and German drummer Jörg Michael. With this line-up the group began working on their fifth opus – “Episode”. Released in July 1996, the album proved to be a breaking point in Stratovarius’ career, offering brilliantly arranged music executed with truly epic measures (the LP featured a large choir and a string orchestra). “Episode” became known as the band’s most successful release to date. It was followed by three other albums in the following years: “Visions” (1997), “Destiny” (1999) and “Infinite” (2000).
On January 27th, 2003 Stratovarius released “Elements Pt.1” – the first of two albums forming a beautifully written suite, which proved to be their most epic project yet. The album starts off with the catchy mid-tempo opener “Eagleheart”, which resembles a bit “Hunting High and Low” from “Infinite”. It’s followed by “Soul of a Vagabond”, a strongly keyboard-oriented track with plenty of orchestral parts and a driving riff similar to the one from Dio’s “Holy Diver”. The next song, “Find Your Own Voice”, as well as the latter “Learning to Fly” represent the typical fast-paced Stratovarius style, with some extremely high-pitched vocals by Kotipelto. “Fantasia” and “Elements” are the album’s longest and most memorable compositions – filled with choir and orchestral arrangements, both tracks showcase true musical mastery. Other highlights include the instrumental powerhouse “”Stratofortress”, with some amazing guitar/keyboard battles, and the epic, dreamy song “Papillion”. The album ends with “A Drop in the Ocean”, a beautiful acoustic ballad.
 “Elements Pt.2” saw the light of day on October 27th, the same year as “Pt.1”. The opening track, “Alpha & Omega”, begins with the sound of rolling waves (the same sound which concluded the first part of the suite) and develops into an epic hymn with an outstanding vocal performance by Kotipelto. The song is followed by two fast-paced tracks – “I Walk To My Own Song” and “I’m Alive”. Next up is the album’s first ballad, “Season of Faith’s Perfection”, which transforms into the monumental “Awaken the Giant”, a powerful song clearly inspired by Black Sabbath. “Know the Difference” is another speedy power metal track, while “Luminous” brilliantly showcases the band’s progressive influences. The following track, “Dreamweaver”, is yet another Stratovarius classic – a strong, epic composition, sounding like Rush combined with metal. “Elements Pt.2” ends with a piano ballad “Liberty”, an amazing conclusion to this enchanting suite.
 After the release of both “Elements” albums, Timo Kotipelto and Jörg Michael decided to leave Stratovarius, leaving the band in pieces. Fortunately, in 2005 the original line-up was reformed, with the addition of new bass player Lauri Porra, who replaced Jari Kainulaien after his departure in June. The group released a self-titled album in September and went on an excessive world tour. In 2008 Timo Tolkki officially stated that he would no longer be a part of Stratovarius, leaving the name rights to the remaining band members. The most recent album by Stratovarius is “Polaris”, released in May 2009.
 “Elements Pt.1” & “Pt.2” remain Stratovarius’ bravest musical endeavors yet. The monumental albums brilliantly combine power metal heaviness with progressive soundscapes, bringing some of the most memorable compositions in the band’s career.
And taking you on a journey you will never forget…