Stratovarius Polaris
by John Kindred
Staff Writer
Polaris is the twelfth studio release from the Finnish power-prog-metal band Stratovarius. Battling through turmoil in recent years, the band finally has overcome the demise of Sanctuary Records and the volatile Timo Tolkki. With the “monkey off their back,” the current lineup of Timo Kotipelto (v), Jens Johansson (k), Jörg Michael (d) and Lauri Porra (b) have welcomed guitarist Matias Kupiainen to the band.
Going into seclusion in the fall of ’08, Stratovarius was reborn. Together, the group spent nearly a month writing and preparing their creative ideas for Polaris. Soon, their new musical collaboration’s found life as they recorded the album at Hästholmen and 5by5 studios in Helsinki, Finland. Working with Mikko Karmila, who mixed the album, the new music encapsulates the band’s rebirth.
Polaris comprises 11 songs and continues with the band’s signature keyboard-laden arrangements. Produced by Stratovarius, the music represents the talents of each individual contributor, molded into sum of the band’s overall sound. The album features lavish vocals that, along with the music, create a wall of sound.
The overall sound of the music has a soaring, almost epic feel. Stratovarius play it smart by not extending the music into eight-minute epics, therefore keeping the listeners from getting lost within the confines of overly complicated musical arrangements. The addition of a new guitarist doesn’t shack up the trademark sound of the band either. In fact, longtime fans should be happy with the way Polaris has shaken out.
The interplay between keyboardist Johansson and guitarist Kupianen works as well as former Tolkki. The compositions move from speedy power-metal numbers to more progressive climatic songs. If there was any weakness to the new album, it may fall at the feet of vocalist Timo Kotipelto. At times, his accent and almost false-falsetto timbre glaringly present themselves. It’s not enough to make you cringe; it’s merely an observation.
Label: Armoury Records
Band:
Timo Kotipelto (v)
Matias Kupiainen (g)
Jens Johansson (k)
Lauri Porra (b)
Jorg Michael (d)
Track Listing:
1. Deep Unknown
2. Falling Star
3. King Of Nothing
4. Blind
5. Winter Skies
6. Forever Is Today
7. Higher We Go
8. Somehow Precious
9. Emancipation Suite Part I: Dusk
10. Emancipation Suite Part II: Dawn
11. When Mountains Fall
Hardrock Haven rating: 7.3/10