Stratovarius, Eternal

It’s hard to make a review of a Stratovarius album when all, with the exception of the (ironically) self titled release, are generally a repetition of one giant review called “Stratovarious – the band”. After ten thousand changes of members to the point where there’s no original member left, after the brain behind the band left and fought with the remaining guys for name rights, after everyone thought Stratovarious is dead and buried, these guys are as loyal to their sound as ever and, surprisingly, as fresh as ever. 

I don’t know if it’s the infusion of bad albums from what I would otherwise consider good bands that’s clouding my judgement, but after so many dubious attempts at shocking and innovating and sticking water and oil together and pretending they mix, I find it very refreshing to listen to a band like Stratovarious. First of all, the songs flow in a very melodious way. Every (rare) change of rhythm is done tastefully and naturally. No matter how many variations appear, the song always feels like a unity. Second, the songs have impact on the first listen, being incredibly memorable and catchy (after two or three spins I could sing along to basically anything), and still, there’s something left for the next ones as well. No matter how straightforward and easily recognisable the main melody is, there’s always more stuff going on in the background that you don’t notice the first time, but is interesting to discover as you pay attention more and more. It’s catchy, but it’s not an album (band) that offers everything on the tray. 

There’s not much to say about the individual songs. What I said above describes each of the first eight ones. Then comes the ballad, which is a normal power ballad and of course I like it because I’m a sucker for songs that are emotional and moving, yet powerful and non-sugary. And finally, the special mention goes to the epic of the record, of course. It’s been somewhat of a tradition of theirs to end the album with a long epic track, they haven’t done that regularly lately, but I’m very glad they returned to this habit because in my opinion this is where they shine. Not because I love grandiose songs (although you must know by now that I do, with all my heart), but because this is where they break the norm. And The Lost Saga is the most different you’re going to get with Stratovarius. A slow paced intro, a darker and a bit atypical verse, lovely keyboard arpeggios that dress the main melody, a rather aggressive bridge with ominous choir punctuations, a majestous second bridge that’s way more emotional than that ballad could ever be and a perfect fading into background as the end of the track and album. Yes, they really shine when it comes to this. 

The themes are as varied as you can get, from vikings in The Lost Saga, through remembering a lost loved one in Shine in the Dark, to a more contemporary Rise above it, about lies in the media. The voice is the same Kotipelto we know and love, with his gliding that almost seemed off key the first time I heard him and his high almost metallic notes. Again, there’s not much to say about that either, since every metal fan and their mother knows how Kotipelto sounds. He’s one of those guys you recognise anywhere he goes (and he goes to a LOT of places) and like the band, he does what he knows best and does it good, end of story. 

Some may call Eternal too correct and unambitious and in a sense they are right. Stratovarius in itself has long stopped being ambitious and those who have listened to each and single album hundreds of times have probably heard all this band has to offer. Personally, I look at it a different way: it’s a positive and pleasant band, that gets me to tap my foot like crazy and gives me a good vibe, it doesn’t bore me to death after listening to it a couple of times, it’s powerful and, despite of the reputation, is not that cheesy (there’s worse out there, and again, I’m talking about bands that actually have something to say, not about some random Hammerfall clone). Also, when you think at all the bands that have been inspired by Stratovarius (I’m looking at you Nightwish), at all the bands that outright copied Stratovarius and then think of their longevity and the fact that after all these years, they’re still a train that doesn’t seem to be slowing down (even if it is going through stations it’s already been before), a certain amount of respect is in order. After all, no one is forcing you to listen to all albums in a row, small doses are just fine. I do find myself wishing for them to experiment more and I do find myself getting annoyed with the inclusion of pretty much the same rhythm and bass riff in most of their songs, but again, I must’ve been spoiled by all the crappy things I heard lately because when I remember where mindless experimentation can lead you, I think they’re better off sticking to what they know and do good.