On the new imprint from Eagle Entertainment, this is probably the most important album of the Finns’ career, as it marks the departure (and subsequent Internet tabloid-style fiasco) of guitarist/driving force Timo Tolkki. The rest of the band remains intact, drafting Matia Kupianen into their ranks and forging ahead with this latest batch of ten tunes, including the two-part ‘Emancipation Suite’. In some respects, the band is lucky, as Tolkki was never the most visible (well-known/well loved) member, so many are excited to have the Strats back again. Will they be, after hearing “Polaris”?

Yes, as the songs combine the classic elements of the Suomi back catalog: speedy, double-bass driven power metal (‘Blind’, ‘Forever Is Today’, ‘Higher We Go’) and heartfelt ballads (‘Winter Skies’, the Styx-ish ‘Somehow Precious’ and ‘Emancipation Suite I: Dusk”), practically in equal quantities.

Often a public target of Tolkki’s wrath, more than a few of Timo Kotipelto’s lyrics seem to skewer his former bandmate, ‘King Of Nothing’ (utilizing jackbooted marching sound effect), ‘Blind’ and the aforementioned Emancipations (“It’s time to break these chains and head to freedom. I will be free.”). Introducing virtually every tune, keyboardist Jens Johansson appears to have benefitted most from the line-up shuffle, playing a more prominent role in the music. Greater use of backing vocals from other members too. The concluding ‘When Mountains Fall’ is a grand finale, complete with orchestral strings and acoustic guitar.

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Reviewed By: Rich Catino

Rating: 7/10

Would there be life after Timo Tolkki?  Could Timo Kotipelto (vocals), Jorg Michael (drums), Jens Johansson (keyboards), with fairly new bassist Lauri Porra, and brand new guitarist Matia Kupianen carry on the Stratovarius name without Tolkki?  I think so. 

Regardless of the fact that Tolkki was the chief composer (over 20 years), Kotipelto, Johansson, and Michael (all three have been part of the band since 1996’s “Episode”) by this point surely could write Stratovarius music.  Don’t get me wrong, there are a couple awkward moments on “Polaris” (in the melodies and Jen’s keyboard parts come across a bit flat at times) but nothing major and you can hear the three surviving members are on a journey to keep in tradition with the legacy of Strato. 

'Deep Unknown' opens the album rockin with classic Strato style dueling guitars and keys. The recurring theme for ballad ‘Winter Skies’ (remember ‘Before the Winter’ from “Visions”, ‘Winter’ from “Fourth Dimension”?) is captured by a beautiful melody complimented by a nice piece on the keys.  And speaking of “Fourth Dimension”, the progressive movements, riffing for the chorus, and dynamic landscapes during ‘Emancipation Suite Pt.1& 2’ all recapture the bands glory days with splashes of the “Elements” records bombast.  Very well done, boys! 

I’m happy to see, and hear, Stratovarius’ good name continues to create the music they helped pioneer in the early 90s, positive uplifting power metal music.  Looking forward to the next album.