When initially released, "Polaris" was probably the most important album of the Finns' career, as it marked the departure (and subsequent Internet tabloid-style fiasco) of guitarist/driving force Timo Tolkki. The rest of the band remained intact, drafting Matia Kupianen into their ranks and forging ahead with these ten tunes, which includes the two-part 'Emancipation Suite'. 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. 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. There's a greater use of backing vocals, from other members. The concluding 'When Mountains Fall' is a grand finale, complete with orchestral strings and acoustic guitar.

The new, double-disc version, includes a 14 song live compilation (five taken from the accompanying studio platter), from various concerts throughout the "Polaris" world tour. Timo Koltipelto's brief interactions with the crowd are left intact, demonstrating that select cuts were lifted from the Sophia (Bulgaria) and Milan (Italy) shows, including crowd sung 'Hunting High And Low'. There are no substantial additional materials, surrounding the live disc (one onstage group shot). Surprises? No 'Black Diamond', nor 'Speed Of Light' (guess those were already repeatedly available elsewhere), but 'Father Time', off "Episode" ('96) is a treat, as is newbie, 'Forever Is Today' which picks up some of the (missing speed) slack. No excuse if you have yet to pick up "Polaris".

Why are there current pictures of the band members in the booklet? Timo Tolkki did not have short hair at the time of this album. Didn't anybody do their homework?

Anyway..."Infinite" should have been Stratovarius' breakthrough album in North America. Elsewhere around the world, by this time previous albums "Visions" and "Destiny" established the Finns as major players. The single/video releases 'Hunting High And Low' and 'A Million Light Years Away' were, and still are, excellent and obviously ready to rock radio.

You dropped the ball big on this one America!

'Millennium' is a steamroller, 'Mother Gaia' a beautiful ballad, and 'Phoenix' is Euro power metal at its best with crunchy guitar riffs, a driving rhythm section, and a soaring melody.

This bonus disc includes 'It's A Mystery' and 'Neon Light Child' which were found on singles, demos of 'Hunting High And Low' (with different lyrics), 'Millennium', spot on live versions of 'Phoenix' and 'Infinity', and 'Why Are We Here' (which can also be found on the album "Intermission"), an excellent song and I always wondered why it never made it to an album.

If you missed this album first time around here is your second chance.