Post Description

Scandinavian prog-power-metal specialists Stratovarius begin their sequel to 2002's Elements, Pt. 1 with a neo-classical dirge called "Alpha and Omega," which showcases their melodic muscle and top-notch playing. Musically, the group are masters of fantasy-metal excess, but bereft of the Dungeons & Dragons hyperbole employed by similar artists. The series as a whole draws from blueprints laid out by Helloween's Keeper of the Seven Keys series, borrowing liberally from their nursery rhyme choruses, ferocious double-basslines, and operatic vocals ? lead singer Timo Kotipelto channels Helloween crooner Michael Kiske throughout ? without the thematic focus. There are some inspired moments ? the brutal "Awaken the Giant" ? and anthems like "Season's of Faith's Perfection," and the soaring "Liberty," succeed with bombast and Queensrÿche-like melodrama. Elements, Pt. 2 may disappoint some fans with its lack of epics and torch-heavy balladry, but there's a strange charm to these songs that serves as a testament to Stratovarius' offbeat sincerity, though it is hard to forgive lyrics like "I know your name, it's called Mr. Mean/One thing I've learned you don't know beans." 

Poster: Stinkfinger

Elements I:

Tracks 
      1  Eagleheart  Kotipelto, Tolkki  3:50  
       2  Soul of a Vagabond  Tolkki  7:22  
       3  Find Your Own Voice  Tolkki  5:12  
       4  Fantasia  Tolkki  9:56  
       5  Learning to Fly  Tolkki  6:22  
       6  Papillon  Tolkki  7:00  
       7  Stratofortress  Tolkki  3:25  
       8  Elements  Tolkki  12:00  
       9  A Drop in the Ocean  Tolkki  6:49 

Elements II:
Tracks 

     1  Alpha & Omega  Tolkki  6:38  
       2  I Walk to My Own Song  Tolkki  5:03  
       3  I'm Still Alive  Tolkki  4:50  
       4  Season of Faith's Perfection  Tolkki  6:08  
      5  Awaken the Giant  Tolkki  6:37  
       6  Know the Difference  Tolkki  5:38  
       7  Luminous  Tolkki  4:49  
       8  Dreamweaver  Tolkki  5:53  
      9  Liberty  Tolkki  5:01