Introduction

Finland's premier progressive-metal quintet, Stratovarius, has released a new album entitled "Infinite" to begin the new decade and millennium. I will say upfront that this release finds Stratovarius at the peak of their craft. They are a first-rate outfit that would rule the U.S.A. album and video charts if a different intellectual and social climate existed. This certainly would have been the case had the band existed 15 years ago, during the glory years of 80's metal and MTV (e.g., they would look, play, and sound superior to any of their contemporaries.)

Stratovarius creates a compelling style of melodic, progressive-metal that is highly influenced by Ingwie Malmsteen, Dream Theatre, Helloween, Gamma Ray, and many other well-regarded 80's metal groups. The band is outstanding in their genre, combining speed/power metal, progressive rock, and classical influences resulting in their own distinctive sound. Stratovarius has consistently produced excellent recordings since 1989 (8 studio, 1 live album.) Their previous four studio releases, "Fourth Dimension - Episode - Visions - Destiny," are critically acclaimed, and helped create a loyal fan base in Europe, Asia, and South America. Live performances have added to the credibility of the band as one of the best on the scene. Unfortunately, they are relatively unknown in the U.S.A.

All five of the band's musicians are among the best ever in their respective fields. Stratovarius' rhythm section extraordinaire consists of bass player Jari Kainulainen and drummer Jorg Michael. The drums are strong, clear, and not overbearing like some skin virtuosos tend to be. The bass is right there, tasty, thumping, and serves to move the music along like it's supposed to. Together the bass and drums provide a rock-solid foundation for the stellar trio of guitarist Timo Tolkki, keyboard player Jens Johansson, and singer Timo Kotipelto.

Tolkki is one of the best guitarists on the planet, often compared to a virtuoso on the order of Paganini. He is able to play so fast that the human ear cannot discern between some of the notes. Thankfully, that's not all he does, and can get down and crunch with the best of them. I enjoy his groove and soulful style. Johansson is a true keyboard wizard. His creative and varied playing is a crucial component of Stratovarius' sound, yet does not succumb to the grandstanding style heard on some other progressive-metal releases. Singer Kotipelto has an awesome range and is among the best tenors including Russell Allen, D.C. Cooper, Bruce Dickinson, and James LaBrie.

And now we have the arrival of their latest, "Infinite." Stratovarius has reached their pinnacle here, and although not as enjoyable for me as "Episode" (1996), this is their best recording in terms of playing and production. Everything is mixed very well on this album. The drums are fast and crisp, the bass bounces like a bumblebee, the vocals soar and dive, the keys wash with delightful flourishes, and the guitar cries, crunches, and rocks. Without a doubt, Stratovarius is one of the most talented bands on the planet today, and deserves much more success and visibility. If you're a Stratovarius fan, you will love this album, and I recommend this as a starting place for anyone who has not yet listened to their excellent music.

However, as a longtime Strato fan, I write this review with a slight disappointment. There is something about this album that seems as if they were holding back. I was expecting a lot more progression from where they left off at their last album, "Destiny." Perhaps this has to do with Timo Tolkki recently stating - on the record - that Stratovarius will take at least a two year break from recording and touring. Understandably, this may make sense to the band, having produced so much good music in the last ten years. They have given much to their fans, and have influenced many bands, including newcomers, Sonata Arctica, also of Finland. However, needing such a long break seems to me like they have taken Stratovarius as far as they are willing to go.

Putting my harping aside, they have produced one of the best releases for 2000. The album cover artwork is astonishing, showing two dolphins jumping through an infinity symbol, out of a poisoned sea, into a pure sea, and back. This seems to represent the dualistic nature of existence; good/evil, light/dark, yin/yang, pleasure/pain, etc.

So, let's crank up the stereo, and examine the nine songs of "Infinite."

Track Review

1. HUNTING HIGH AND LOW (4´08) - Wow! This is a great, sing-along to play at high volume in your car while cruising down the highway. The song starts with tandem driving keys and guitar, and then settles in a groove that becomes one of Stratovarius' most accessible tunes to date. Kotipelto is in fine form, singing, "I am hunting high and low, diving from the sky above, looking for more and more, once again. I´m hunting high and low, sometimes I may win, sometimes I'll lose, it's just a game that I play." This has hit written all over it. And that's a good thing!

2. MILLENNIUM (4´09) - Another super Strato speed metal tune, with pounding drums, thundering bass, and soaring vocals by Kotipelto, pleading "Millennium - Where do we go? Millennium - Time will show. Forevermore - The light will be guiding our journey. Millennium - Show us the way. Millennium - To the new day. Forevermore - Give us a chance to change." Timo Tolkki delivers some fast fretwork, with that unmistakable Malmsteen sound, along with some metal crunch.

3. MOTHER GAIA (8´18) - Now things slow down quite a bit into a pleasant ballad for Mother Earth (aka Gaia) and a plea for her help. A piano starts alone, joined by a synthesizer, and then Kotipelto singing softly at first, "Time waits for no one, so they say, it goes on forever. The tears of pain, I see in your eyes, how can we change for the better?" and then stronger as rest of the band joins in. Amid soaring strings beautifully arranged by Jens Johanssen, Tolkki plays two aching solos. This is a great song that shows Stratovarius is more than a speed metal band.

4. PHOENIX (6´13) - Here they are back up-tempo. This would be a throwaway song, not much happening that hasn't been done before, but it has a great middle section that slows down momentarily into an infectious crunchy groove, with bizarre, train horn sounds from the keys, then a blistering Tolkki solo, all-in-all a very compelling twist to the song. The song is about getting one's power back "Like the Phoenix I rise, from the ashes of life, I don't need fortune or fame, just some peace of mind. Like the Phoenix I fly, leaving the lies behind, future's golden for me, there is no one who can stop me now."

5. GLORY OF THE WORLD (4´53) - This is a tune completely written by Jens Johansson, and it shows with lots of keys. The rhythm section is classic Strato, and the song should work, unfortunately, it's one of the weaker tunes on the album. Kotipelto wails unconvincingly, "My heart was blind, but now I see. I know the power and the glory of the world. I took a breath and now I'm free. I feel the glory of the world." Tolkki seems like a guest on this song. A disappointment in light of Jens huge talent.

6. A MILLION LIGHTYEARS AWAY (5´19) - This is a great heartbreaker song. Here Jens Johansson shows what a keyboard master he truly is; right in front without grandstanding. Timo Kotipelto appeals to a distant lover, "Even though there was much pain I try to learn from my mistakes. I want to make it up to you," followed by the angelic chorus, "A Million Light Years away from you. I am, A Million Light Years away from you." A superb Tolkki guitar solo that will send shivers up your spine as he climbs the scales caps the song. Play this one for your lover!

7. FREEDOM (5´03) - There is lots to like about this song, including some inventive keys from Johansson, and a keyboard/guitar duel with Tolkki. However, it just doesn't add up. The vocals from Kotipelto are not up to par, and seem forced, even with great lyrics like, "I'm in control of this ship of mine, and everything will be just fine. Like the wind I'm free to go anywhere, I got my song, it dances in the air. Now I know what I'll do with my life, now you will hear my freedom call." A disappointment that seems like they rushed to get it finished.

8. INFINITY (9´21) - This is the album standout, and the type of amazing, progressive-metal Stratovarius are capable of creating. It begins sounding as if played through a broken speaker, then goes completely bombastic, with awesome keys from Jens that build to a crescendo with the rest of the band. Then, suddenly stopping, it gives way to an acoustic guitar over which Kotipelto sings, "Mother watch your children, the iron fist of fear is ruling our lives. It's not too late to change the course, we can make this world a better place to be in." Immediately going bombastic again, it doesn't let up with it's time changes, supreme vocals, choir-like keys, and excellent musicianship from everyone in the band. You will love the chorus, "Infinity - Where do we go from here? Infinity - Where do we go from here? Infinity - Where do we go? Infinity - Where do we go from here?" Timo Tolkki pulls out all the stops with crunchy metal riffs, trademark scales, and soul-wrenching grooves.

9. CELESTIAL DREAM (2´29) - This one breaks the mood created by the previous song, "Infinity," which was perfect for closing the album. Why they put this here is beyond me, and goes to show that they may need to break out of their mold and take some more progressive chances. Although this song features the nice thought, "So let's break free from these chains of fear, hate and greed and join together singing our Celestial Dream," it is merely an average ballad (keys, strings, acoustic guitar) that should have been left off the album.