Stratovarius
Encyclopedia
Stratovarius are a Finnish
power metal
band that formed in 1984. Since their formation they have released 13 studio albums and one live album. Along with Helloween
, Blind Guardian
, Rhapsody of Fire
and Gamma Ray
, Stratovarius are considered one of the leading groups of the power metal
and symphonic metal
genre.
In 1988 they released their first two singles, "Future Shock
" and "Black Night
". In 1989 their debut album Fright Night
was released, which would be accompanied by a small tour of Europe.
. On this album Tolkki played bass as well as guitar on all tracks, despite Jari Behm receiving credit on the album. After Twilight Time was released, Behm was fired and replaced with Jari Kainulainen
. In 1994 Dreamspace
, their third album, was released. This album was the last album that followed the style of the initial releases, because when Tolkki abandoned his position as lead singer the group adopted the more neo-classical/symphonic style which they became famous for.
decided to step down from lead singer of the band to concentrate on guitar and songwriting as well as to move Stratovarius in a new direction. The band started auditions for a new singer, eventually choosing Timo Kotipelto
. In 1995, the band released their first album with Kotipelto on vocals Fourth Dimension, which was accompanied by a music video for the song "Against the Wind". This was the last album with a singing performance by Timo Tolkki, being featured as a backing vocalist on this album. This was the first album that showed signs of the new direction the band was heading, with tracks such as "Twilight Symphony" using an orchestra for the first time in their recordings.
from Rage
was hired as their drummer and soon after Jens Johansson
of Yngwie Malmsteen-fame was hired as keyboardist, a position he has held to this date. This new line-up released Episode
, an album that showcased their new symphonic direction with a full orchestra and choir utilised on tracks such as "Season of Change" and "Forever". The line-up on this album proved to be their most stable, remaining the same until the release of Polaris
in 2009.
In 1997 the band released their sixth studio album titled Visions
. This album was released to a very positive reception, and featured notable songs "The Kiss of Judas", "Black Diamond
" and the title track "Visions (Southern Cross)", a 10-minute epic that was their longest song at the time. "Black Diamond" has since become one of their most recognised songs, and has been included in almost all live setlists since its release. In the same year the band recorded the album Destiny
which reached No.1 on the Finland charts. Destiny contained "S.O.S." and "Rebel", as well as the 10-minute title track "Destiny".
was released. Just like its predecessor, Infinite reached No.1 in the Finnish chart, the last time one of their albums would do so until the release of Elysium
in 2011. Continuing the trend of featuring lengthy symphonic pieces, the title track "Infinity" is over 9 minutes long. Featured songs are "Hunting High And Low
" and "A Million Light Years Away
".
The following year saw the release of Intermission
a compilation album of B-Sides, bonus tracks from previous albums and unreleased material. During this time, the band decided to take a break from working on new material for Stratovarius. It was in this time that Timo Tolkki released his second solo album Hymn to Life
and guest appeared on the Avantasia album The Metal Opera
(Tolkki would later play guest guitar on the sequel album The Metal Opera Part II
). Timo Kotipelto also began his side project Kotipelto
, with the first album Waiting for the Dawn getting released in 2002.
and Elements, Pt. 2
both being released the same year in 2003. This would contain some of the group's most ambitious work yet, with the title track "Elements" on Elements, Pt. 1 clocking in at 12 minutes, the longest song the band would write until the release of Elysium
in 2011. Elements was also the first, and so far only, attempt at recording a double-album, and showed the band experimenting with their musical style. Although some songs such as "Eagleheart
" were warmly received by fans, ultimately the project was considered by critics and fans alike as a failure, with growing tensions within the band seen as a source for the increasing decay in quality.
titled Coldness
. It was also during this time that Stratovarius orchestrated a series of publicity stunts, including Kotipelto being fired and replaced by a female singer named "Katrina K", as well as Tolkki being stabbed at a concert. Eventually the stunts were revealed to be a hoax, and Tolkki reunited the band to begin work on their next album. In 2005, the self-titled album Stratovarius
was released to hostile reception by fans. Stratovarius featured a very different change in style compared to previous efforts, containing almost no symphonic or neo-classical elements in the music or soloing of Tolkki and Johansson that fans were used to, and did not feature any lengthy epics. Tolkki was highly critical of the album, and Stratovarius showed evidence of the band relationship at an all-time low. Seemingly against Tolkki's wishes, Jari Kainulainen was fired in 2005 following the release of the album for reasons Tolkki said were "so absurd that I am not even [going to] try and explain them here". Kainulainen was quickly replaced with Lauri Porra, and in 2006 the band began work on a new album that was tentatively titled R...R..., however as internal issues increased the project stalled. Eventually the band reached a divide, with Johansson and Porra supporting Tolkki on one side, and Kotipelto and Michael on the other. Finally, on March 4, 2008, Tolkki officially declared that he was disbanding Stratovarius:
"It is time to stop the silence and announce what some of you have already been speculating. Stratovarius is no more..."
As Tolkki held the rights to the name Stratovarius and all its royalties, it was his initial intention to completely disband Stratovarius. However, in May he agreed to sign over the rights to the name Stratovarius and all its royalties to Timo Kotipelto, Jens Johansson and Jörg Michael, allowing Stratovarius to continue on without him. Tolkki later took the songs he wrote for the R..R.. sessions and formed the band Revolution Rennaisance, using the R...R... to form the name for the band, instead of the album. Stratovarius eventually found a replacement guitarist with Matias Kupiainen
, and soon after began work on their next album.
, which reached No. 2 in Finland
. It was the first album after the departure of Timo Tolkki and Jari Kainulainen, and featured in their place new guitarist Matias Kupiainen
and bassist Lauri Porra
. The album yielded the two singles "Deep Unknown
" and "Higher We Go". In 2010 the album was re-released along with different live material recorded during the Polaris Tour.
In September 2010, Stratovarius announced the start of recording of their second album with Matias Kupiainen
on guitar. Before officially launching the album, the Darkest Hours
EP was released with the new songs "Darkest Hours" and "Infernal Maze", plus two live recordings of older songs. To promote the new album, Stratovarius toured as guests on Helloween
's Seven Sinners Tour. As Stratovarius's drummer Jörg Michael
was diagnosed with cancer, he was temporarily replaced by Alex Landenburg in the band.
In 2011 the band released their new album titled Elysium
that quickly reached No. 1 in Finland
, the first time one of their albums reached that since Destiny
. Notable songs on the album include the singles "Darkest Hours
", "Under Flaming Skies", and the 18-minute epic "Elysium", the longest song that Stratovarius has ever recorded.
Jörg Michael
has announced his plans to leave the band for personal reasons. Jörg will play all the remaining tour dates until the end of January, and will celebrate with a special Finnish "Farewell Jörg" tour from November 18 to November 26.
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
power metal
Power metal
Power metal is a style of heavy metal combining characteristics of traditional metal with speed metal, often within symphonic context. The term refers to two different but related styles: the first pioneered and largely practiced in North America with a harder sound similar to speed metal, and a...
band that formed in 1984. Since their formation they have released 13 studio albums and one live album. Along with Helloween
Helloween
Helloween is a German power metal band founded in the mid 1980s by members of Iron Fist and Powerfool. The band was a pioneering force in the European Power Metal movement and their second and third studio albums, Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt...
, Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian is a German power metal band formed in the mid-1980s in Krefeld, West Germany. They are often credited as one of the seminal and most influential bands in the power metal and speed metal subgenres...
, Rhapsody of Fire
Rhapsody of Fire
Rhapsody of Fire is an Italian symphonic power metal band led by Alex Staropoli. Since forming in 1993, the band has released eight studio albums, one live album, two EPs, and a live DVD...
and Gamma Ray
Gamma Ray (band)
Gamma Ray is a power metal band from Hamburg, northern Germany, founded and fronted by Kai Hansen after his departure from the German power metal Helloween. Hansen is the current lead vocalist, guitarist as well as the chief songwriter of Gamma Ray. The band is known as one of the most prominent...
, Stratovarius are considered one of the leading groups of the power metal
Power metal
Power metal is a style of heavy metal combining characteristics of traditional metal with speed metal, often within symphonic context. The term refers to two different but related styles: the first pioneered and largely practiced in North America with a harder sound similar to speed metal, and a...
and symphonic metal
Symphonic metal
Symphonic metal is a term used to describe heavy metal music that has symphonic elements; that is, elements that are either borrowed from classical music or, as with progressive rock music, create a style reminiscent of it, e.g...
genre.
Early years and Fright Night
Stratovarius was founded in 1984 in Finland under the name Black Water. They went through a number of personnel, style and name changes before the band found its own voice. The founding members were Tuomo Lassila, Staffan Stråhlman, and John Vihervä. By 1985, the name had changed to Stratovarius (a combination of Stratocaster and Stradivarius), and guitarist/vocalist Timo Tolkki entered the band, replacing Stråhlman.In 1988 they released their first two singles, "Future Shock
Future Shock
Future Shock is a book written by the futurist Alvin Toffler in 1970. In the book, Toffler defines the term "future shock" as a certain psychological state of individuals and entire societies. His shortest definition for the term is a personal perception of "too much change in too short a period of...
" and "Black Night
Black Night (Stratovarius song)
"Black Night" is Stratovarius's second single from their 1989 debut album Fright Night.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Tolkki - Guitar, Vocals*Jyrki Lentonen - Bass*Tuomo Lassila - Drums, Percussion...
". In 1989 their debut album Fright Night
Fright Night (album)
Fright Night is the first studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 1989 through Columbia Records; a remastered edition was reissued in 2003.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Tolkki – vocals, guitar, production...
was released, which would be accompanied by a small tour of Europe.
Twilight Time and Dreamspace
In 1991 the group released their second album, which was initially released under the name Stratovarius II but was later re-released in 1992 with the name Twilight TimeTwilight Time (album)
Twilight Time is the second studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius. It was originally released independently as Stratovarius II in 1991, then reissued in 1992 with different cover art through Bluelight Records...
. On this album Tolkki played bass as well as guitar on all tracks, despite Jari Behm receiving credit on the album. After Twilight Time was released, Behm was fired and replaced with Jari Kainulainen
Jari Kainulainen
Jari Kainulainen is a Finnish born bassist of the metal band called Devil´s Train. He was previously a member of, Stratovarius and the progressive power metal band Evergrey.Kainulainen plays Ibanez 6 string basses and uses Ampeg amplifiers...
. In 1994 Dreamspace
Dreamspace
Dreamspace is the third album by the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius. This is the last album to feature Timo Tolkki on vocals before Timo Kotipelto was brought into the band, as well as the first on which Jari Kainulainen played bass...
, their third album, was released. This album was the last album that followed the style of the initial releases, because when Tolkki abandoned his position as lead singer the group adopted the more neo-classical/symphonic style which they became famous for.
Arrival of Timo Kotipelto, Fourth Dimension
After releasing the album Dreamspace, Timo TolkkiTimo Tolkki
Timo Tapio Tolkki is a Finnish musician best known as the former guitarist, songwriter, and producer of the power metal band Stratovarius. He left Stratovarius in 2008 and formed a new band, Revolution Renaissance. To this day, with his tenure extending for more than twenty years, Tolkki was the...
decided to step down from lead singer of the band to concentrate on guitar and songwriting as well as to move Stratovarius in a new direction. The band started auditions for a new singer, eventually choosing Timo Kotipelto
Timo Kotipelto
Timo Antero Kotipelto is the vocalist of the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius and is the creator and vocalist of the power metal band Kotipelto...
. In 1995, the band released their first album with Kotipelto on vocals Fourth Dimension, which was accompanied by a music video for the song "Against the Wind". This was the last album with a singing performance by Timo Tolkki, being featured as a backing vocalist on this album. This was the first album that showed signs of the new direction the band was heading, with tracks such as "Twilight Symphony" using an orchestra for the first time in their recordings.
Departure of Tuomo Lassila, Episode, Visions and Destiny
It was in this period that the last founding member left the band. Unhappy with the new direction the band was heading, Tuomo Lassila decided to leave the band along with Antti Ikonen, leaving Stratovarius searching for a new drummer and keyboardist to fill their places. Jörg MichaelJörg Michael
Jörg Michael is a German drummer. He is well-known for his time in the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius and several other bands....
from Rage
Rage (band)
Rage are a German heavy metal band, formed in 1984. They were part of the German heavy/speed/power metal scene to emerge in the early to mid 1980s, along with bands such as Helloween, Running Wild and Blind Guardian.-Background:...
was hired as their drummer and soon after Jens Johansson
Jens Johansson
Jens Ola Johansson is a Swedish power metal keyboardist and pianist. He is notable for his high-speed neoclassical and fusion style.-Biography:...
of Yngwie Malmsteen-fame was hired as keyboardist, a position he has held to this date. This new line-up released Episode
Episode (album)
Episode is the fifth studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 1996 through Noise Records. This is the first recording to feature keyboardist Jens Johansson and drummer Jörg Michael, who would form part of the band's most stable line-up for nine years.-Track...
, an album that showcased their new symphonic direction with a full orchestra and choir utilised on tracks such as "Season of Change" and "Forever". The line-up on this album proved to be their most stable, remaining the same until the release of Polaris
Polaris (Stratovarius album)
-Japanese track listing:On 7" Vinyl Collector's Edition:- Reception :-2010 Re-Release:On May 21, 2010, Polaris was re-released along with a live album called "Polaris Live" with the following track listing:# Destiny# Hunting High and Low# Speed of Light...
in 2009.
In 1997 the band released their sixth studio album titled Visions
Visions (Stratovarius album)
Visions is the sixth studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 1997 through Noise Records.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Kotipelto – vocals*Timo Tolkki – guitar, background vocals, mastering, production...
. This album was released to a very positive reception, and featured notable songs "The Kiss of Judas", "Black Diamond
Black Diamond (Stratovarius song)
"Black Diamond" is Stratovarius's seventh single released in 1997 through Victor Entertainment. The song is mostly performed as an encore for live shows. A live version of the song appears on the single Darkest Hours.- Track listing :- Personnel :...
" and the title track "Visions (Southern Cross)", a 10-minute epic that was their longest song at the time. "Black Diamond" has since become one of their most recognised songs, and has been included in almost all live setlists since its release. In the same year the band recorded the album Destiny
Destiny (Stratovarius album)
Destiny is the seventh studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 1998 through Noise Records.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Kotipelto – vocals*Timo Tolkki – guitar, engineering, production...
which reached No.1 on the Finland charts. Destiny contained "S.O.S." and "Rebel", as well as the 10-minute title track "Destiny".
Infinite and Intermission
In 2000, the album InfiniteInfinite (Stratovarius album)
Infinite is the eighth studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 2000 through Nuclear Blast.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Kotipelto – vocals*Timo Tolkki – guitar, engineering, production*Jens Johansson – keyboard...
was released. Just like its predecessor, Infinite reached No.1 in the Finnish chart, the last time one of their albums would do so until the release of Elysium
Elysium (Stratovarius album)
Elysium is the thirteenth studio album by power metal band Stratovarius, released on January 12, 2011 through Victor Entertainment and on January 14, 2011 through Edel Music .-Background:...
in 2011. Continuing the trend of featuring lengthy symphonic pieces, the title track "Infinity" is over 9 minutes long. Featured songs are "Hunting High And Low
Hunting High and Low (song)
"Hunting High and Low" is a song by Norwegian new wave band a-ha. It was released as the fourth international and final single from the band's debut album, Hunting High and Low.-Release and Reception:...
" and "A Million Light Years Away
A Million Light Years Away
-Personnel:*Timo Kotipelto - Vocals*Timo Tolkki - Guitars*Jari Kainulainen - Bass*Jens Johansson - Keyboards*Jörg Michael - Drums...
".
The following year saw the release of Intermission
Intermission (Stratovarius album)
Intermission is a compilation album by the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius. This album is compiled of covers, live and bonus tracks, and four new songs.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Kotipelto - Vocals...
a compilation album of B-Sides, bonus tracks from previous albums and unreleased material. During this time, the band decided to take a break from working on new material for Stratovarius. It was in this time that Timo Tolkki released his second solo album Hymn to Life
Hymn to Life (album)
Hymn to Life is the second solo album by Timo Tolkki. Unlike the first one, Classical Variations and Themes, Hymn to Life does not present Tolkki as a fast and classical heavy metal guitarist, but as a diverse songwriter. The album deals with Tolkki's personal beliefs and thoughts about life and...
and guest appeared on the Avantasia album The Metal Opera
The Metal Opera
The Metal Opera is the first full-length album by Tobias Sammet's side project opera, Avantasia. It is a concept album and a rock opera, and further information on the story can be found here.- Track listing :All music and lyrics by Tobias Sammet...
(Tolkki would later play guest guitar on the sequel album The Metal Opera Part II
The Metal Opera Part II
The Metal Opera Pt. II is the second full-length album by Tobias Sammet's side project opera, Avantasia. It is a concept album and a rock opera, and further information on the story can be found here. The songs carry on the story begun in The Metal Opera, with the same characters...
). Timo Kotipelto also began his side project Kotipelto
Kotipelto
Kotipelto is a Finnish melodic power metal self-named band by Timo Kotipelto created during a hiatus in activity for power metal band Stratovarius...
, with the first album Waiting for the Dawn getting released in 2002.
Elements, Pts. 1 & 2
In 2003 the band started work on their next project titled Elements. Initially conceived as a double album, the project was eventually split into two different releases, with Elements, Pt. 1Elements, Pt. 1
Elements, Pt. 1 is the ninth album by the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius.-Track listing:A limited 2cd box was also released through the Stratoshop, and featured the following:-Info:...
and Elements, Pt. 2
Elements, Pt. 2
A limited 2 cd box set was released through Stratoshop and featured the following:LP track listing is as follows:SIDE A:SIDE B:-Personnel:* Timo Kotipelto - Vocals* Timo Tolkki - Guitar* Jari Kainulainen - Bass* Jens Johansson - Keyboards...
both being released the same year in 2003. This would contain some of the group's most ambitious work yet, with the title track "Elements" on Elements, Pt. 1 clocking in at 12 minutes, the longest song the band would write until the release of Elysium
Elysium (Stratovarius album)
Elysium is the thirteenth studio album by power metal band Stratovarius, released on January 12, 2011 through Victor Entertainment and on January 14, 2011 through Edel Music .-Background:...
in 2011. Elements was also the first, and so far only, attempt at recording a double-album, and showed the band experimenting with their musical style. Although some songs such as "Eagleheart
Eagleheart
"Eagleheart" is Stratovarius's thirteenth single released in 2002 through Nuclear Blast. The title track comes from the album Elements, Pt. 1.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Kotipelto - Vocals*Timo Tolkki - Guitars*Jari Kainulainen - Bass...
" were warmly received by fans, ultimately the project was considered by critics and fans alike as a failure, with growing tensions within the band seen as a source for the increasing decay in quality.
Hiatus, Stratovarius and Tolkki's departure
During this period, tension was increasing in the band, and in 2004 Stratovarius temporarily disbanded after Timo Tolkki suffered a nervous breakdown. A couple of months after the breakdown Tolkki was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and went into rehabilitation for a period. During this time Timo Kotipelto released his second album with his side project KotipeltoKotipelto
Kotipelto is a Finnish melodic power metal self-named band by Timo Kotipelto created during a hiatus in activity for power metal band Stratovarius...
titled Coldness
Coldness (album)
Coldness is the second album by power metal band Kotipelto, released in 2004 while Stratovarius was in hiatus.- Track listing :All music and lyrics written by Timo Kotipelto# "Seeds of Sorrow" - 4:09# "Reasons" - 3:46# "Around" - 5:24...
. It was also during this time that Stratovarius orchestrated a series of publicity stunts, including Kotipelto being fired and replaced by a female singer named "Katrina K", as well as Tolkki being stabbed at a concert. Eventually the stunts were revealed to be a hoax, and Tolkki reunited the band to begin work on their next album. In 2005, the self-titled album Stratovarius
Stratovarius (album)
Stratovarius is the self-titled eleventh studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 2005 through Sanctuary Records. It is the last album to feature the band's longest-standing lineup which had been consistent since Episode , as bassist Jari Kainulainen would leave later in...
was released to hostile reception by fans. Stratovarius featured a very different change in style compared to previous efforts, containing almost no symphonic or neo-classical elements in the music or soloing of Tolkki and Johansson that fans were used to, and did not feature any lengthy epics. Tolkki was highly critical of the album, and Stratovarius showed evidence of the band relationship at an all-time low. Seemingly against Tolkki's wishes, Jari Kainulainen was fired in 2005 following the release of the album for reasons Tolkki said were "so absurd that I am not even [going to] try and explain them here". Kainulainen was quickly replaced with Lauri Porra, and in 2006 the band began work on a new album that was tentatively titled R...R..., however as internal issues increased the project stalled. Eventually the band reached a divide, with Johansson and Porra supporting Tolkki on one side, and Kotipelto and Michael on the other. Finally, on March 4, 2008, Tolkki officially declared that he was disbanding Stratovarius:
"It is time to stop the silence and announce what some of you have already been speculating. Stratovarius is no more..."
As Tolkki held the rights to the name Stratovarius and all its royalties, it was his initial intention to completely disband Stratovarius. However, in May he agreed to sign over the rights to the name Stratovarius and all its royalties to Timo Kotipelto, Jens Johansson and Jörg Michael, allowing Stratovarius to continue on without him. Tolkki later took the songs he wrote for the R..R.. sessions and formed the band Revolution Rennaisance, using the R...R... to form the name for the band, instead of the album. Stratovarius eventually found a replacement guitarist with Matias Kupiainen
Matias Kupiainen
Matias Kupiainen is a Finnish guitarist and producer.Kupiainen was chosen as the new guitarist for the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius after Timo Tolkki's departure from the band in 2008...
, and soon after began work on their next album.
Polaris, Elysium and Michael's departure
In 2009 came the release of PolarisPolaris (Stratovarius album)
-Japanese track listing:On 7" Vinyl Collector's Edition:- Reception :-2010 Re-Release:On May 21, 2010, Polaris was re-released along with a live album called "Polaris Live" with the following track listing:# Destiny# Hunting High and Low# Speed of Light...
, which reached No. 2 in Finland
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
. It was the first album after the departure of Timo Tolkki and Jari Kainulainen, and featured in their place new guitarist Matias Kupiainen
Matias Kupiainen
Matias Kupiainen is a Finnish guitarist and producer.Kupiainen was chosen as the new guitarist for the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius after Timo Tolkki's departure from the band in 2008...
and bassist Lauri Porra
Lauri Porra
Lauri Porra is a Finnish bassist and composer. Best known for his work in Stratovarius and Sinergy. Lauri Porra is a fourth generation musician, He is the great grandson of the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. He started to study music at age 6 when he started to play cello in a local music...
. The album yielded the two singles "Deep Unknown
Deep Unknown
"Deep Unknown" is a single by power metal band Stratovarius, released on April 29, 2009 on Edel Music. It contains two tracks from their twelfth studio album, Polaris.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Kotipelto - Vocals*Matias Kupiainen - Guitars...
" and "Higher We Go". In 2010 the album was re-released along with different live material recorded during the Polaris Tour.
In September 2010, Stratovarius announced the start of recording of their second album with Matias Kupiainen
Matias Kupiainen
Matias Kupiainen is a Finnish guitarist and producer.Kupiainen was chosen as the new guitarist for the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius after Timo Tolkki's departure from the band in 2008...
on guitar. Before officially launching the album, the Darkest Hours
Darkest Hours
"Darkest Hours" is a single by power metal band Stratovarius, released on November 24, 2010 through Edel Music and on November 26, 2010 through Victor Entertainment...
EP was released with the new songs "Darkest Hours" and "Infernal Maze", plus two live recordings of older songs. To promote the new album, Stratovarius toured as guests on Helloween
Helloween
Helloween is a German power metal band founded in the mid 1980s by members of Iron Fist and Powerfool. The band was a pioneering force in the European Power Metal movement and their second and third studio albums, Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt...
's Seven Sinners Tour. As Stratovarius's drummer Jörg Michael
Jörg Michael
Jörg Michael is a German drummer. He is well-known for his time in the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius and several other bands....
was diagnosed with cancer, he was temporarily replaced by Alex Landenburg in the band.
In 2011 the band released their new album titled Elysium
Elysium (Stratovarius album)
Elysium is the thirteenth studio album by power metal band Stratovarius, released on January 12, 2011 through Victor Entertainment and on January 14, 2011 through Edel Music .-Background:...
that quickly reached No. 1 in Finland
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
, the first time one of their albums reached that since Destiny
Destiny (Stratovarius album)
Destiny is the seventh studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 1998 through Noise Records.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Kotipelto – vocals*Timo Tolkki – guitar, engineering, production...
. Notable songs on the album include the singles "Darkest Hours
Darkest Hours
"Darkest Hours" is a single by power metal band Stratovarius, released on November 24, 2010 through Edel Music and on November 26, 2010 through Victor Entertainment...
", "Under Flaming Skies", and the 18-minute epic "Elysium", the longest song that Stratovarius has ever recorded.
Jörg Michael
Jörg Michael
Jörg Michael is a German drummer. He is well-known for his time in the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius and several other bands....
has announced his plans to leave the band for personal reasons. Jörg will play all the remaining tour dates until the end of January, and will celebrate with a special Finnish "Farewell Jörg" tour from November 18 to November 26.
Current members
| Name | Instrument(s) | Membership |
|---|---|---|
| Timo Kotipelto Timo Kotipelto Timo Antero Kotipelto is the vocalist of the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius and is the creator and vocalist of the power metal band Kotipelto... |
Vocals | 1994–present |
| Matias Kupiainen Matias Kupiainen Matias Kupiainen is a Finnish guitarist and producer.Kupiainen was chosen as the new guitarist for the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius after Timo Tolkki's departure from the band in 2008... |
Guitars | 2008–present |
| Jens Johansson Jens Johansson Jens Ola Johansson is a Swedish power metal keyboardist and pianist. He is notable for his high-speed neoclassical and fusion style.-Biography:... |
Keyboards Synthesizer A synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones... |
1995–present |
| Lauri Porra Lauri Porra Lauri Porra is a Finnish bassist and composer. Best known for his work in Stratovarius and Sinergy. Lauri Porra is a fourth generation musician, He is the great grandson of the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. He started to study music at age 6 when he started to play cello in a local music... |
Bass | 2005–present |
| Jörg Michael Jörg Michael Jörg Michael is a German drummer. He is well-known for his time in the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius and several other bands.... |
Drums | 1996–present |
Former members
- Timo TolkkiTimo TolkkiTimo Tapio Tolkki is a Finnish musician best known as the former guitarist, songwriter, and producer of the power metal band Stratovarius. He left Stratovarius in 2008 and formed a new band, Revolution Renaissance. To this day, with his tenure extending for more than twenty years, Tolkki was the...
– Guitar (1985–2008), lead vocals (1985–1994), backing vocals (1994–2008) - John Vihervä – Bass guitar (1984–1987)
- Staffan Stråhlman – Guitar (1984–1985)
- Tuomo Lassila – Drums (1984–1995), lead vocals (1984–1985)
- Jyrki Lentonen – Bass guitar (1987–1990)
- Antti Ikonen – Keyboards (1988–1995)
- Jari Behm – Bass guitar (1989–1993)
- Jari KainulainenJari KainulainenJari Kainulainen is a Finnish born bassist of the metal band called Devil´s Train. He was previously a member of, Stratovarius and the progressive power metal band Evergrey.Kainulainen plays Ibanez 6 string basses and uses Ampeg amplifiers...
– Bass guitar (1993–2005) - Sami KuoppamäkiSami KuoppamäkiSami Kuoppamäki is a Finnish drummer who has been a very prolific jazz and popular music session musician after the break-up of his early-90s band, Kingston Wall. His current, most active group in which he plays in is called Zook...
– Drums (1994) - Anders JohanssonAnders JohanssonAnders Johansson is a Swedish musician. He is the son of Jan Johansson, famous jazz pianist and brother of keyboardist Jens Johansson.-Biography:...
– Drums (2004) - Katriina "Miss K" Wiiala – Vocals (2004)
- Alex Landenburg – Live drums (2010)
Discography
Studio albums- Fright NightFright Night (album)Fright Night is the first studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 1989 through Columbia Records; a remastered edition was reissued in 2003.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Tolkki – vocals, guitar, production...
(1989) - Twilight TimeTwilight Time (album)Twilight Time is the second studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius. It was originally released independently as Stratovarius II in 1991, then reissued in 1992 with different cover art through Bluelight Records...
(1992) - DreamspaceDreamspaceDreamspace is the third album by the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius. This is the last album to feature Timo Tolkki on vocals before Timo Kotipelto was brought into the band, as well as the first on which Jari Kainulainen played bass...
(1994) - Fourth Dimension (1995)
- EpisodeEpisode (album)Episode is the fifth studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 1996 through Noise Records. This is the first recording to feature keyboardist Jens Johansson and drummer Jörg Michael, who would form part of the band's most stable line-up for nine years.-Track...
(1996) - VisionsVisions (Stratovarius album)Visions is the sixth studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 1997 through Noise Records.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Kotipelto – vocals*Timo Tolkki – guitar, background vocals, mastering, production...
(1997) - DestinyDestiny (Stratovarius album)Destiny is the seventh studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 1998 through Noise Records.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Kotipelto – vocals*Timo Tolkki – guitar, engineering, production...
(1998) - InfiniteInfinite (Stratovarius album)Infinite is the eighth studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 2000 through Nuclear Blast.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Kotipelto – vocals*Timo Tolkki – guitar, engineering, production*Jens Johansson – keyboard...
(2000) - IntermissionIntermission (Stratovarius album)Intermission is a compilation album by the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius. This album is compiled of covers, live and bonus tracks, and four new songs.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Kotipelto - Vocals...
(2001) - Elements, Pt. 1Elements, Pt. 1Elements, Pt. 1 is the ninth album by the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius.-Track listing:A limited 2cd box was also released through the Stratoshop, and featured the following:-Info:...
(2003) - Elements, Pt. 2Elements, Pt. 2A limited 2 cd box set was released through Stratoshop and featured the following:LP track listing is as follows:SIDE A:SIDE B:-Personnel:* Timo Kotipelto - Vocals* Timo Tolkki - Guitar* Jari Kainulainen - Bass* Jens Johansson - Keyboards...
(2003) - StratovariusStratovarius (album)Stratovarius is the self-titled eleventh studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 2005 through Sanctuary Records. It is the last album to feature the band's longest-standing lineup which had been consistent since Episode , as bassist Jari Kainulainen would leave later in...
(2005) - PolarisPolaris (Stratovarius album)-Japanese track listing:On 7" Vinyl Collector's Edition:- Reception :-2010 Re-Release:On May 21, 2010, Polaris was re-released along with a live album called "Polaris Live" with the following track listing:# Destiny# Hunting High and Low# Speed of Light...
(2009) - ElysiumElysium (Stratovarius album)Elysium is the thirteenth studio album by power metal band Stratovarius, released on January 12, 2011 through Victor Entertainment and on January 14, 2011 through Edel Music .-Background:...
(2011)