Album Review - Stratovarius - Polaris

"Polaris" marks its greatest achievement as simply being a good Stratovarius album. Nothing more, nothing less, but somehow, atleast for this disc in this point of time, that is saving grace enough. Stratovarius as a band has had a rocky several years. Going from "dead" status to "partially alive" and then "alive but without Tolkki", and this only after much message board hooplah and official statements back and forth between members of the Strato-outfit. Guitarist, main songwriter and self styled "last original member of the band" (disputably), Timo Tolkki finally decided that since he had no further use of the Stratovarius name, he might as well let the others have it who wished to continue on under the monicker. Losing one's main songwriter is usually a death stroke for any band, but since keyboardist Jens Johansson and belter Timo Kotipelto both have written outside the Strato-sphere and have been with the band for over a decade (and more) one would think they have learned a few tricks of the power/progressive trade by now. And indeed they have.

"Polaris" is foremost, a solid overall album. There is a great balance between cut-the-nails-to-the-bleeding-quick speedy pieces, the slower moving proggy epics, the uptempo catchy bits and the break-out-the-blankets chilly on-iced ballads. Kudos go to the natural progression and flow of the songs.
Musicianship is top notch, the new guitarist, a Finn wunderkind, Matias Kupiainen, rips his strings to shreds and captivates like a young clone of Tolkki. He has the finesse, the emotional touch and that neo-classical crystal cleanness that is one of the necessary details of the band's signature sound.

Jens Johansson's keyboards are also front and center, finding their way into prominent places within the songs. This is something that the last few (and admittedly disappointing) Strato albums have overlooked to a certain extent. So its refreshing hearing him blazing away at the keys and not buried underneath the percussion in the mix.
Rhythm section never misses a beat, and interestingly enough, Lauri Porra, the bassist contributes some of the better tracks of the album. He really has a great vision of what a Stratovarius song should sound like. What more can be said that hasn't been said already, about Timo Kotipelto? His unearthly unique vocals are another huge chunk of the band's sound. He is the key defining point of what makes Stratovarious sound like Stratovarius.

The most wonderful thing about the album is the fact that it exists and stays true to the band's heritage. Do not expect a revamped image, this is classic seeming stuff and while not anywhere near "Eclipse" or "Visions" quality, "Polaris" eagerly stomps all over the self titled "Stratovarius" and the "Elements" discs without breaking as much as the slightest sweat. It soundly thrashes them by default and therefore it can be said that "Polaris" is the greatest Stratovarius release since "Destiny" and its doubtful too many people are going to so much as blink over that claim. Opinion it might be, but there's a seed of truth in it too.

There's the thumping potshots in "King of Nothing", a military marching rhythm popping out starkly. Blunt cascades of six string guitar notes shower down like blood drops splattering artfully on painfully white virgin snow makes the song's dramatic flurried announcement. It drops down into a slow, thick crunching pace, alight with swirling vertigo keys. And there's this quiet before the storm... when the hurricane hits, it pours out guitars after that silence. They gush like a bleeding heart, beating wildly gorgeous and poignant.

There's the quickening breakneck pacing of "Blind" with its classy chorus, the positive message behind "Forever is Today" and the double dose of progression for "Emancipation Suite" and its two separate acts, the softness of "I Dusk" and the glory rising of "II Dawn". "Deep Unknown" is a second teir "Black Diamond", a blistering double drum drunk power exercise that goes through the motions effortlessly.

"Falling Star" makes the biggest mark by flaunting this sweet chorus and a few well placed, heart string struggling guitar riffs. It has the melodious hooks that pegged "Fourth Dimension" and the power stylings seen in "Visions". The synth runs cold, a sheltered bubbling stream underneath the booming overhead trappings. Flashes of Matias' guitars come raining down like golden comet tails. "Winter Skies" has the snowy ballad covered, all soppy and sad, tears freezing like icicles on frost reddened cheeks. A crisp cold kiss of winter's promise.

"When Mountains Fall" ends it all. Simplistic, vocally driven and completely emotionally believable. The final drifting words of "I'm still in love with you" mangled most charmingly by Koti's thick accent, just sums up the whole Stratovarious "Polaris" experience in a few short words. Yes, we are still very much in love with Stratovarius, and this album showcases all the reasons why. It may not be the greatest set of tunes released under the name, but they fill a niche that no one else does (well others *try*, they just happen to mostly fail at it). Their premature loss was a depressing blow to those who loved the band, and just simply seeing another release (that does not totally suck) is a relief, a comfort and a blessing.

Written by Alanna
Friday, April 24, 2009
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Ratings

Alanna: 7.5/10

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