This is the second album from
Stratovarius without its previous heart and band founder, Timo Tolkki. There's no denying that the band had grown stagnant the last few years of Tolkki's reign, as interpersonal band relationships deteriorated and the music right along with it. The first disc with Tolkki dismissed, "Polaris", triumphed more on the fact that it was a Strato album when all thought Strato would likely be no more, rather than succeeding on its strengths. "Polaris" goes through the motions without tearing through too much emotion, and at the time cookie cut songs were preferable to no songs at all. Such is not the case with
"Elysium". Just being a Strato album is not nearly enough fuel to warrant praising its existance.
"Elysium" has its work cut out for it. Not only does it need to simply exist as a Strato-sounding disc, but it also needs to prove that the outfit can write songs without its primary songssmith (Tolkki), and that it can push forward on musical excellence and not just ride the coat tails of the established
Stratovarius name alone. Surprisingly in some cases, it does this rather well. Like a bird opening its wings, these guys have pulled together and made the album soar. Most eyes are trained on Matias Kuplainen, being the axeslinger that has taken the strings from Tolkki, and it is with certainty that he is an amazing guitarist in his own right. There are a few points where he just reaches in with the six string and plucks your heart right out of the chest. His guitar playing is not nearly as speed frenzied as Tolkki could be, but has a more elaborate touch that lends itself well to the album's more pronounced progressive elements.
Nine tracks seems like a rather short disc these days, but taking into account the length of epic end piece,
"Elysium", perhaps that song count is just right. The album opens with
"Darkest Hours", which was the title and lead off for their tantalizing EP that preceded the full length release. A full blown power metal track with light speed flourishes and a heavy progressive bent, this uptempo song rips through with style and an eye for catchy ear candy. The vocals are strong and a match nicely to the chorus, the plentiful keyboard runs are deliriously nice, and the whole package just screams
Stratovarius from every corner.
"Infernal Maze" begins slow and unfolding, and quickly gallops up to speed, lightning flash guitars from Matias, Kotipelto's distinctive vocals and the hammer of Jorg's drums.
"Event Horizon" is a double kicker, a power tripping, bass rippling song that shows the thumping techniques of Lauri Porra.
"The Game Never Ends" showcases Jens Johansson with a keyboard solo in the middle that is simply amazing. There is little to wonder why he's considered to be one of the most talented musicians behind the keys.
"Fairness Justified" ranks among the best of the band, with its soft whispy passages, and sweeping into epic porportions for the massive rafter shaking chorus. Matias poignant guitar solo is to the point, with not a single note of over indulgance. Boiling the blood and letting it run free, scarlet and pumping with power,
"Under Flaming Skies" trips along at rapid rate, like a heart trying to escape the confines of the chest that it lives within.
The loveliest track is also the most daringly progressive and the longest. . Eighteen minute album closer,
"Elysium" wastes not a second of its spotlight and rains down beauty and emotion in lush torrents. The final few minutes are just soul breaking, as Kuplainen's guitar tone is bleedingly beautiful and the vocals are just perfect.
"Elysium" is nowhere close to being
Stratovarius's greatest album, but perhaps it will stand as their greatest triumph. Naysayers who can't wait to pounce and tear it apart, will find that there is not a great deal of missteps to take to task. The album is solid, undeniably imprinted with the
Stratovarius sound, and blessed with some fantastic songs. With
"Elysium" in their pocket,
Stratovarius' future seems quite sound.
Written by
Alanna Monday, January 10, 2011
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