STRATOVARIUS – Eternal (2015)

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For many, creators of the Euro Power Metal / Sympho, Swedes STRATOVARIUS are releasing their new album “Eternal” tomorrow. Although I’ve never been a big fan of their music, in their last period the band has turned their sound much more melodic and catchy, and this is one of the strongest points of “Eternal”.

First hour fans hate this present Stratovarius, but truth is the band never sounded better.
Stratovarius 2015 combine some power riffs and epics with almost poppy, catchy choruses, and this is a clever approach to reach varied audiencies. And I think the responsible is ‘new’ (this is their 4th album with the band) guitarist & producer Matias Kupiainen.
With his brilliant production job, Kupiainen is now an established force of nature for the band. He has been able to contrast Jens Johansson’s racing keyboard solos (possibly one of the best keyboard players in the history of metal music) and the strong guitar layers to enlighten the melodic vocals of Timo Kotipelto.

So, if you never liked Stratovarius, you should take a listen to “Eternal”.
Except the last cut ‘Lost Saga’ which runs over the ten minute mark (but it’s extremely melodic and easy to the ears), all songs are shaped in a ‘song format’.
And at places, believe me, these tracks sound like melodic hard rock songs, like a heavier version of Kiske / Somerville. Bombastic, yes, but pretty ‘no-heavy’ and with melody as main focus.
Quite Recommended.

01. My Eternal Dream
02. Shine In The Dark
03. Rise Above It
04. Lost Without A Trace
05. Feeding The Fire
06. In My Line Of Work
07. Man In The Mirror
08. Few Are Those
09. Fire In Your Eyes
10. Lost Saga

Timo Kotipelto – Vocals
Matias Kupiainen – Guitars
Jens Johansson – Keyboards
Lauri Porra – Bass
Rolf Pilve – Drums

Pre-Order:
www.recordshopx.com/artist/stratovarius/eternal/#cd
.