Stratovarius
Stratovarius is a power metal band from Finland. The band's name is a portmanteau of the name of the famous violin maker Antonio Stradivari and the electric guitar model Stratocaster. It symbolizes the mixture of classical music and metal, as found in many songs by Stratovarius.
History
The band was founded in 1984 by Tuomo Lassila, Staffan John Vihervä and Strahlman. John Vihervä has been replaced by Jyrki Lentonen end of the year, 1985 also left Staffan Strahlman the band. His place was taken by Timo Tolkki, who also took over the vocals a little later. In this cast the first demo was recorded in 1987. Your music, originally heavily inspired by Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne, was more melodic and more classically influenced at this time, as it is still typical of the style of the band. In 1989 the debut album Fright Night was released after the debut single Future Shock in the previous year.
With the album Fourth Dimension singer Timo Kotipelto came.
Also can be with the fourth album by the beginning of a stylistic evolution find. The songs were now less progressive gloomy but atmospheric and hopefully to a significant track melodic and classic with more elements such as harpsichord or strings.
After two world tours in just two years put the band in 2000, a hiatus. During this time the compilation Intermission which B-sides, bonus tracks, covers and compositions of keyboardist Johansson appeared contains.
With Elements Part I, Stratovarius then reported back in 2003 and surprised and split the fan base by a significantly more progressive style. For the first time a real symphony orchestra and choirs were used. Elements Part II was again significantly more guitar-oriented, with some critics described the album as uninspired and boring.
In 2004 there was a dispute between Tolkki and Kotipelto, with the consequence that Kotipelto and drummer Jorg Michael had to leave the band. Instead Tolkki brought the Finnish singer Katriina Wiiala in the band, which had been taken over in the band AuroraK singing. The brother of Jens Johansson, Anders Johansson, should take the drums. During this time, serious mental problems Tolkki became noticeable and it was followed by an inglorious time full of rumors, accusations, verbal and physical attacks against Tolkki and finally its complete collapse. Despite the discrepancies still had to be finished the live shows. During a show a visitor climbed onto the stage and stood Timo Tolkki with a knife in the stomach. Tolkki had to be rushed to a hospital immediately. During his hospital stay, he underwent a spiritual recovery.
After he had undergone therapy had improved the condition Tolkkis and after intensive discussions with all the band members themselves Stratovarius has reunited without Katriina Wiiala in January 2005. The next album, Stratovarius was released on 5 September 2005.
In June 2005, bassist Jari Kainulainen withdrew from the band because he allegedly did not want to go on tour. He is now playing at the Sweden Evergrey. Replacement is Lauri Porra, who had already played with Sinergy and warm. From August 2005 to January 2006 was followed by a world tour.
On 2 April 2008 Tolkki announced the final dissolution of the band. This was due to, inter alia, the general feeling among the band members. Furthermore, Tolkki announced that up to his nervous breakdown all the events of 2004 were denied and fakes including the exit of Kotipelto and Michael. However, the remaining band members want to continue without Tolkki under the name Stratovarius, whereas this has no objection. He handed over the rest of the band members all names and trademarks, as he formed a new band called Revolution Renaissance itself.
On August 22, 2008 announced with Matias Kupiainen the new guitarist of the band. The first cast album titled " Polaris " was released on May 15, 2009.
The end of 2011 the band made a farewell to drummer Jörg Michael publicly at the beginning of 2012. Then Rolf Pilve was introduced as the new drummer in June 2012.
Style
The songs of Stratovarius are very diverse and different, can be so difficult to speak of a certain style. Nevertheless, the following characteristics can prove:
- High Singing: The singer Timo Kotipelto sings in the typical for some kinds of Metal high vocal range. In contrast, for example, the Heavy Metal his voice is not rough, and he does not cry. Due to his experience and a completed vocal studies, he is very flexible, both in terms of deep and high layers. On the album Stratovarius is more often found deep and harsh vocals, extreme heights on the other hand, the element with Papillon ( where, however, at least on the album version, a boy the highest part assumes the ) or already on an episode with Father Time. (up to F # " )
- Baroque and classical elements: Stratovarius take instruments and combines styles from Baroque and classical music. Even if not directly classical instruments or keyboard sounds are used, the characteristics of songs from classical to, particularly in terms of overall structure and harmonies.
Discography
Studio albums
Compilations and live albums
Singles
- 2000: Infinite Visions