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After having taken a short break to recharge their batteries and focus on other musical activities, Stratovarius are back with one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year in the heavy / power metal genre. They have had an amazing career so far and it doesn't look as if they are going to step down from their throne as Finland's leading veterans. If you are an old fan there is no need to worry, the second Element album will not disappoint you. A forceful orchestrated intro leads us into the first song and it stands clear right away that Stratovarius have come to strike again. "I Am The Earth And Sky, I Am The Low And High" are the first words sung by Timo Kotipelto. The title of the song, "Alpha & Omega" confirms that the lyrics are religiously coloured which is something that has followed Stratovarius throughout the years. You should know by now that Stratovarius is not an openly preaching band though. Instead they focus on the musical aspects which I personally appreciate. There is no doubt that this is an album from Stratovarius. Everything is here - the impeccable vocals from Kotipelto, the heavy guitar riffs and wonderful solos from Timo Tolkki, the advanced keyboard playing from Jens Johansson and precise drumming from Jörg Michael. All of this add up to the unique dreamy, you may even say spiritual, atmosphere that no other band but Stratovarius manages to create. As usual there are both fast power metal songs, emotional ballads and slow heavy songs on the album. In other words, something to please each and everyone of you. The ballads do not really touch my heart but luckily there are several other songs that do like the powerful and dynamic opening track, "Awaken The Giant" which is the heaviest song of the album and the wonderful chorus of "Dreamweaver" where Tolkki really gets to show off his skills as a guitarist as well. No their best album ever but Stratovarius still hold their position as one of the leading bands of the genre with this release.
| Tracklist |
| 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 |
: 50.42
| Buy other Stratovarius albums |
