Timo
Kotipelto has been known as "the voice" for the tremendously popular Finnish metal act
Stratovarius. His voice is instantly recognizable as a soaring, twisting thing that conveys emotion as naturally as breathing. The "main band"
Stratovarius has been silent for a few years now and
Kotipelto has cycled through what is now a trio of solo discs. The previous was the self loathing "Coldness" that was traditional power metal, and though it was wrought with emotional turmoil and a prevailing sense of cold stung darkness, the songs themselves were not separate enough from his home band to make them stand apart. Thus it slipped between the cracks as a shallow shadow of
Stratovarius and only the most die hard of fans actually took notice.
"Serenity" showcases a slightly different approach. Taking a few steps away from the safety of the
Stratovarius mold, Timo comes into himself as a solo artist here. A great maturity is shown even over "Coldness" from just a few years ago. This is an album that has hope, it has promise. Before, those were two states of mind that were nonexistent in the solo world of
Kotipelto, but now they are his primary guides, and sit like twin flames flickering in the background in more than one song. Are they something obtained or distant goals to achieve? Listening to the album
"Serenity", with all of its moods, struggles and instances of emotional turmoil, can only reveal that answer. The title track itself embraces all of this headon as well.
The set list is still not all that varied, yet there is enough changeups here to keep any hard rock fan inspired for some time. The approach still revels in its power metal essence but takes care to twist it into a more straight up hard rock package at times. This matched with his vocals makes this a very endearing disc that has a surprising amount of replay value.
"Sleep Well" is a cool rocker with a flourishing chorus that has an instant, simple hook. Having a fantastic backing band doesn't hurt the impact of this one at all either. Despite its title, "Sleep" is anything but a ballad, and was written for an action movie entitled Vares 2.
"City of Mysteries" has an aire of...well, mystery, and otherwise could have been a
Stratovarius track. Nice, crunchy power metal that relies on the cleverness of its progressive twists.
"Angels Will Cry" is not afraid of speed or double drumming and clips ahead like an adrenaline junky high on thunder percussion and lightning guitars. Timo is simply the cloud that sweeps down and gives a buoyancy to it all.
"King Anti-Midas" hits all the high notes and blisters forth like a sleek racehorse, the galloping keeping a rhythmic time with the music. Midas had the golden touch, but the center soul of this track has anything but. Everything keeps just right out of grasp. Which is what life is like most of the time. A nice tease but the promises of something more beyond that is nothing but smoke and mirrors... a pipe dream.
"Dreams and Reality" zips through in a mid paced manner and builds up to this fantastic chorus that is abuzz in energy.
"After the Rain" has the art of showing emotion wrapped up to perfection. This rivals the best of
Stratovarius' ballads (and there have been more than a few that have left glimmers of tears on the eyelashes and water tracks on the cheeks). The guitarist here is just as in touch with the heartbeat of sensitivity as the singer. His soul clenching riffs squeeze the heart and leave you breathless, lightheaded and craving for more. What a true beauty of a low key track that shows no sign of stiffness. Its all fluid and natural, making for a memorable listening experience.
The final piece,
"Last Defender", is an epic thriller that searches its way through power and progression, taking plays on the neverending struggle between dark and light, leaving marks in both areas. The multi-faceted nature keeps you guessing what's next, while rock solid performances bring attention to even the tiniest of details. This is a perfectionist's dream or nightmare... every instrument is tucked strategically in place and the entire epic feel comes off so professionally. These are true masters of the genre, not just a band of boys playing at being metal heroes.
Kotipelto and his all-star Finnish band are the real deal. They definitely "bring it", and this tracks gives them each an opportunity to shine. Guitars scream and softy coo where appropriate, and Koti's vocals lead the way assuredly. Soft and fluttery as a shy butterfly for those light, elusive periods and power blessed to rise and roar above the thunder thumping below. The subject matter is also not for the light hearted, as this takes us back to the Battle of Stalingrad during World War II and revisits the turmoil of a German soldier who finds himself a trapped, desperate pawn of futility. He has essentially been sent to his death, by a leader that is blinded by his ego, yet there is nothing he can do. Death is on the verge and there is no way out. A chilling song that closes the album with a desperate power and depth.
As much as Timo was enjoyed as singer for
Stratovarius, his solo albums had seemed a little rushed, but with
"Serenity" Koti really breaks out on his own. His singing in the lower key registers and the high class songwriting that accompanies his fresh approach make for a very melodic and exciting album. Its not all just double drum headache inducers anymore. There's plenty of emotion to wrestle with and a cool blend of music to take in. All marks of an album that is worth taking notice of. If you were unsure because of the previous discs, then wipe those memories and pick up
"Serenity". Its melodic nature, subtle progressive touches, and careful attention to detail will win you over in the end.
Written by
Alanna Tuesday, June 19, 2007
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