The kings of European speed metal, Stratovarius’ influence and popularity is rapidly being found in other top metal bands. Stratovarius hails from Finland, and started as a Black Sabbath style band. The band is the brainchild, of guitarist Timo Tolkki, who has written as far as I can tell, every song. The first Strato releases such as Fright Night, showcase the Black sounding style. With the release of Fourth Dimension, Strato started acquiring the definitive style they are known for today. Fourth Dimension also featured a new singer in Timo Kotipelko. The choice of Kotipetko, is definitely the best move Tolkki ever made, as Kotipelko is one of the best melodic metal singers ever. The new style of Fourth Dimension is described by Stratovarius as a neoclassical baroque style of metal. The style also has been described as a cross between Helloween and Yngwie Malmsteen. The album Episode followed Fourth Dimension, and is a masterpiece. I personally rate it my favorite album along with Operation Mindcrime. Episode features the ultra fast drums of Jorg Michael, and unbelievable keyboards of Jens Johanssen, accompanied by the amazing guitar work of Tolkki, and the melodic perfectly in tune voice of Kotipelko. Strato goes from fast to slow tempos, better than any band I know of. The fast songs are the fastest quality songs I have ever heard, Speed of Light and Father Time are excellent examples. The slow ballads are great. And songs like seasons of change, and southern cross have the perfect riffs and melodies throughout. Visions was the next album Strato put out, and is their best seller with over a half million copies sold. Visions has some great songs like the baroque Black Diamond, and the catchy Kiss of Judas. Eternity was released after Visions, and retains the high quality of Visions, and Episode. Strato’s last album Infinite, is of high quality, but not as high as Episode, or Visions. As one can tell, I really like Stratovarius. Since I got their albums, I consider them my favorite band. Apperently the metal world agrees, as many bands have started playing in the same style as Stratovarius. I really can not say in words how good these guys are, one has to listen to them. One listen may have your jaw dropping, and your head banging.
