Biography
Finland's most known metal group of the '90s, STRATOVARIUS, being one of the most influential bands of European metal scene, have set the tone of an entire genre. TIMO TOLKKIs virtuoso, emotional neoclassical guitar-playing and Timo KOTIPELTOs opera-like vocals are well-known among fans of the genre and rated first class. Along with the extremely precise drumming of German percussionist Jörg Michael and one of the most influential keyboard players of the scene, Swedish Jens Johansson, band leader TIMO TOLKKI has released extraordinary albums since the 1990s. Throughout the world these albums achieved a high status and worldwide recognition. Their INFINITE album of 2000 was gold awarded, to not mention the high positions in the world's charts that many of their album have reached during the years.
In 1989 STRATOVARIUS (with a line-up including Tolkki on vocals/guitars/songwriting, Lassila on drums, Ikonen on keyboards and Lentonen on bass) releases their debut FRIGHT NIGHT through Sony/Columbia Music and receive lots of attention in their native Finland. Tolkki himself due to his excellent guitar playing he is being called the Finish answer to Yngwie Malmsteen and is added to the ranks of guitar heroes.
It takes three years for Tolkki to get back into the limelight. The line up of Tolkki/Lassila/Ikonen releases in 1992 their second album STRATOVARIUS II (which was re-released after some months under the name TWILIGHT TIME) which break STRATOVARIUS in Japan. Tracks like "The Hands of Time" or "Break the Ice" receive a cult status in some European countries and Japan and the fanbase of the band is growing bigger with each day.The release of DREAMSPACE (1994) further establishes the band as being one to play critically acclaimed, complex but nevertheless catchy Melodic Metal. In countries like Greece, Italy and Japan the Stratovarius-mania becomes really strong at that time.During the recordings of DREAMSPACE Tolkki takes on a new bassist, Jari Kainulainen.The song "Wings of Tomorrow" from that album becomes the Official Anthem of the Eurobasket Tournament '95 of Athens and a special CD single comes out from Modern Music, including this track both with two tracks of the upcoming album FOURTH DIMENSION.
In 1995 Tolkki decides that he has to be dedicated on the guitar, leaving the singer's position to a new vocalist. Timo KOTIPELTO joins the band and the album FOURTH DIMENSION is being recorded. The former quartett now is a quintett and the band becomes more solid. At this time STRATOVARIUS make their first european tour by visiting countries like Italy, Spain, Germany and Greece. Longtime members Tuomo Lassila (drums) and Antti Ikonen (keyboards) are leaving/fired. While next album EPISODE (1996) is being recorded the final dream team with Jorg Michael on drums and Jens Johansson on keyboards is being established. Songs "Father Time" and "Will the Sun Rise" are the 2 singles from that album, when the metal press is being enthusiastic about tracks like "Speed of Light" or "Stratosphere" because of their extremelly high technical level and their finest musicianship. Next year brings new album VISIONS (1997). Songs like "The Kiss of Judas" or "Black Diamond" are making huge success everywhere and the album becomes a top-seller in many countries. They also release their first double live album VISIONS OF EUROPE (1998) recorded in Athens/Greece and Milan/Italy, cities where Stratovarius have a strong fanbase. STRATOVARIUS return to discography with the album DESTINY (1998) and after a small break they release their most commercial album to date, INFINITE (2000). At this moment STRATOVARIUS name reach unbelievably new heights, with new fans almost everywhere in the world. lt's obvious now that the last albums of the band conquer the entire world in a heartbeat.A massive tour follows and another break leads to the release of ELEMENTS PT.1 album of 2003. This album impresses most of the metal press with its orchestral and progressive parts and its big arrangments. Aside from Europe the band is hailed in Japan, South America and even in the United States and receive gold status in their native Finland. The release of ELEMENTS PT.2 finds the band in a strange situation, where the relationship between the bandmembers is not so clear.
Then comes a set-back. Tolkki, having had psycholocial problems since childhood, cant handle the mental strain anymore. He turns manic-depressive, which puts a lot of pressure on the band and it led into a temporarily split up. KOTIPELTO, most likely the problem got worse because, as most people know, the Finish arent the most talkative people. The problems kept increasing and then got out of hand. And when problems come out in an erruption, it´s already too late
Fortunately the band gets back together and Tolkkis therapy helps to quickly improve his health. Now they are ready to release their 11th album STRATOVARIUS. Due to its various progressive and experimental skew parts it is a rather daring and amibitious album and you would never have an inkling of the difficult circumstances under which it has been recorded. The traditonal headbanger Gypsy In Me - a self-propelling hit in the tradition of Hunting High And Low, the complex Back To Madness that will capture the hearts and ears of any fan of complex compositions piano and double bass sequences, acoustic guitars, menacing grooves in the vein of Accept and HammerFall, theatrical vocals, stomping beats, in short everything that makes an outstanding slightly progressive masterpiece.
The first single Maniac Dance has astonishing monolithic riffs that develop into a rock anthem with pop-appeal due to its catchy vocal lines. Fight!!! consists of variable theme and rather off-beat, nearly Industrial compatible guitar riffs, whereas Götterdämmerung (Zenith Of Power) is prove of the epic-monumental traditions that have always been present in STRATOVARIUS' music.
The Land Of Ice And Snow, similar to Rainbow's Rainbow Eyes', starts off slowly but increasingly develops into a bombast-rock song, finally culminating in drum rolls and heavy guitar riffs. The staccato riffs of Leave The Tribe, that turn into an enerving stomping beat, create a unique depressing atmosphere due to orchestal choirs and guitar solos that bring to mind early Scorpions and Rainbow. United, influenced by a Black Sabbath/'Heaven And Hell' bass-swing, sounds euphoric and optimistic, the bridge seemingly symptomatic of the band's current situation: United we stand devided we fall, or to quote Alexander Dumas One for all all for one!
There's no evidence of any doomsday atmosphere like in devided we fall' in view of such a first class album. STRATOVARIUS aren't afraid to experiment musically and conceptionally but the fans of the more traditional STRATOVARIUS songs are certain to really like this album as well.
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