Revolution Renaissance Trinity
by Trevor Portz
Staff Writer
Anyone who has been successful in the music biz as long as Timo Tolkki is bound to have ups and downs in terms of producing quality material. Luckily for him, though, there have been far more ups, and Trinity, the third (and final?) offering from his post-Stratovarius band Revolution Renaissance is certainly one of these.
Following last year’s less-impressive Age of Aquarius, Trinity is a true return to form for Mr. Tolkki, blending elements (no Strato-pun intended) of old and newer Stratovarius and Revolution Renaissance, but without sounding like a rehashof either. Is it a groundbreaking work of metal brilliance? Maybe not, but it is a high-quality album from start to finish, and for someone who has almost single-handedly written nearly 20 great albums in as many years, it’s hard not to be impressed.
Wasting no time proving he still has the touch, “Marching With the Fools” is certainly the coolest intro from Timo in a long while, mixing heaviness and melody as only he can.
What also becomes instantly apparent, and follows throughout the album, is Timo’s desire to break out of the traditional neo-classical solo, instead employing not only a much dirtier tone, but dabbling with a variety of interesting and experimental solos. The best part? This exploration does wonders for the album, adding a depth to Timo’s catalog that hasn’t been felt since the early experimental days of Dreamspace.
“Falling to Rise” does have some classic Tolkki hallmarks, carrying the radio-friendly power metal vibe of classics such as “Eagleheart” and “S.O.S.” What is also clear here—as well as sporadically across the album—is a notable similarity to the oft-criticized, self-titled Stratovarius album. While many fans didn’t care for the departure from the standard Strato power metal, that album was arguably the most original thing produced by the band after the seminal Visions.
“A Lot Like Me” feels a bit like Helloween’s “Perfect Gentleman,” with a title that makes one wonder if Timo is a fan of the Offspring’s Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace, or if he coincidentally came up with the same song name as the OC punks.
“The World Doesn’t Get to Me” again feels like it would have fit well on Stratovarius, while “Crossing the Rubicon” is a more standard power metal track (though another strange solo gives it it’s own unique character).
“Just Let it Rain” is perhaps the most traditional sounding track, and while excellent, would have worked well with a more over-the-top, beer-swilling chorus, ala Helloween, or even Finish folksters Korpiklaani.
“Dreamchild,” the first single released online, is a great radioable rocker, with perhaps the most bizarre solo of the whole album. Again, though, this experimentation only serves to make the album better, and never feels forced.
Title track “Trinity” is a lengthy epic, following in the footsteps of similarly epic title tracks “Visions,” “Destiny,” and “Infinity.” It’s hard to say whether it will stand the test of time the way the others have, but it works as a great musical climax and, as is uber important with long tracks, doesn’t bore the listener. What more could you ask for?
The album closes with “Frozen Winter Heart,” a power ballad that is great on its own, but may have worked better somewhere in the middle of the album rather than as the closer. Of course, it also strangely works as a farewell song of sorts, as it appears this is the final RR album.
Before wrapping this up, a shout out should go to the other members of the band, who also did fine work on Trinity. Vocalist Gus Monsanto isn’t as strong as Timo Kotipelto or Michael Kiske, but his gruff, melodic vocals are well delivered and powerful. Keyboardist Bob Katsionis does a reasonable Jens Johansson impression when he does solo, but overall plays a rather minor role (this could be in part to the guitar-heavy mix, though). Drummer Bruno Agra and bassist Magnus Rosén hold their own and keep things together, but are outshown by Tolkki and Monsanto. Of course, in this type of music, it’s hard to excel and be heard in either of these roles, despite the fact that simply “holding their own” requires immense technical skill.
While it’s unclear what Tolkki will do next (Project Strato, please!) he has done a great job closing this chapter of his career on a high note. He’s shown that while he doesn’t tend to stray too far from his well-tread writing waters, he is far from creatively spent, and has plenty to offer the metal world. If anything, Trinity will surely induce a slew of new Tolkki fans, at the same time reminding old fans why they were drawn to his talent in the first place.
Genre: Power Metal
Band:
Timo Tolkki (g)
Gus Monsanto (v)
Bruno Agra (d)
Magnus Rosén (b)
Bob Katsionis (k)
Track Listing:
1. Marching With the Fools
2. Falling to Rise
3. A Lot Like Me
4. The World Doesn`t Get To Me
5. Crossing the Rubicon
6. Just Let It Rain
7. Dreamchild
8. Trinity
9. Frozen Winter Heart
Label: Napalm Records
Website: http://www.myspace.com/timotolkkiofficial
Hardrock Haven rating: 8.8/10