Stratovarius – Nemesis

Releasedate: 25-02-2013; Label: Edel
By: Thorsten Hendriks

Stratovarius has been around for a long time and their musical skills have progressed and grown over nearly 3 decades including several members switches throughout their foundation in 1984. At first known as ‘Black Water’, the name Stratovarius’ (a combination of Stratocaster and Stradivarius) was chosen in 1985. The band members are all well seasoned musicians who have played for years in Stratovarius, solo projects and worked with other bands as session/guest musician.

Their 16th (!!!) and self produced album, called ‘Nemesis’ is definitely one to have in your CD rack if you love fast guitars riffs combined with heavy bass and laced with synthesizer/techno influences. This combined with classical instruments and excellent composition and writing skills makes Stratovarius a band that stands out amongst its peers.

‘Nemesis’ contains 11 tracks, each a piece of excellence, but together they form a story from beginning to end. The whole CD feels like a journey of sentiments and feelings. Track 1 ‘Abandon’ gives you a darker side of their ability with heavy bass and drum intro leading to very melodic vocals. ‘Unbreakable’, the second track starts very quiet with some keyboard and the lead guitars join in to form a composition game of vocals, keyboards and guitars. The next track ‘Stand my ground’ gives you the feel as if you are in a hurry; very rapid guitars make it sound like power metal and the vocals are very strong. The fourth track called ‘Halcyon Days’ is magnificent (and my favourite of the album); a combination of techno and metal and the instruments are almost heading towards the industrial metal. The vocals, in contrast, are very powerful and melodic.

Half way the album and the next song ‘Fantasy’ has the feel that could be used in a motion picture or computer game in a scene when flying to the air or being chased. It gives you that magical feel and the writing skills of the band really come out in this song. When this track ends you are left on a certain platform spiritually and the keyboards of the next track
give you the feel that this is to continue but ‘Castles in the Air’ is a lot stronger and the music heavier. ‘Dragons’ (track 8 ) is again a lot faster with sharp guitar riffs and strong vocals. When ‘One must fall’ starts, you are led into the shadows as this track is a lot darker than the previous songs. Track 10 ‘If the Story is over’ is a balled and makes it feel that the storm is gone and it’s all good and tranquil. The last track ‘Nemesis’ starts with a solo of combo of keyboards and bass guitar and leads into a very strong and powerful vocal performance which is very enjoyable to “reset” your mind after the long travels this album takes you through your mind.

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

Tracklist: 01. Abandon 02. Unbreakable 03. Stand My Ground 04. Halcyon Days 05. Fantasy 06. Out Of The Fog 07. Castles In The Air 08. Dragons 09. One Must fall 10. If The Story Is Over 11. Nemesis

Links:
Stratovarius Facebook