Stratovarius
Destiny (Reissue 2016)

It’s a remarkably consistent and high quality affair where no song is too obnoxious, there are no moments that feel too cheesy and nothing that feels like a ‘skip-button-magnet.’

The strength and beauty of the vocals, as well as the high professionalism of the musicians, immediately rushes into the ears. For me personally, Stratovarius is almost the second Helloween (with Michael Kiske). The music is bright, heavy, varied and fast at times, as it should be in power metal. Although in terms of speed it is inferior to the "Visions" album. The recording quality is excellent. There are no weak things on the album, all the compositions on the album are hits, so I can safely count this album as a classic of heavy music. The album should appeal to most heavy music lovers.

Actually, from this album my acquaintance with the work of ingenious Finns began. It is brilliant. The lion's share of the material was written by their clear leader and largest-sized guitarist Timo Tolkki. In addition to him, a sweet-voiced namesake Kotypelto sang in the group, Jari Kainulainen tormented four strings, German Jörg Michael, previously seen as a member of Grave Digger and Rage, torn the drums, and the Swede Jens Johanson, whose brother’s brother is a drum… no, not a drummer, but a drum HammerFall. Finnish music is a clear melodic power metal, with a variable solo of guitar and keyboard themes, beautiful, lyrical ballads and, again, amazing material, Cotypelto's vocals are perfect for the group. The album begins with the title track, very solemn in the introduction, and then flowing into the power, followed by “S.O.S”, the power on top. We go further, “No Turning Back” - 7th speed, just a hurricane, a speed drop in front of the chic - “4000 Rainly Nights” - a beautiful ballad about love. “Rebel” - again a sparkling power, with a beautiful keyboard introduction, “Years Go By” - again a ballad, again a beautiful, but about the meaning of life, “Playing with Fire” - finally, a slow song that fits perfectly into a sharp turn. Stop! Ballad again ?! What this time? "Venus in the Morning." But not a lot? Not! We like these ballads. “Anthem of the World” - midtempole, solemn refrain and, finally, for dessert ... Yes, ballad again! Dream with Me, traditionally beautiful, even stunning. One might get the impression that the album, half consisting of ballads, has nothing to listen to. This is far from the case. Super album from the super group. One of the best power albums. For me it has become a classic. It’s a pity that this happened with the band ...

What I can say about this album is that it is a PERFECT melodic metal album (Although Vision album was a bit better lol). I love their creativity in music. Although this album is a re-release, i don't hesitate to buy. With a remaster version, you will hear some difference in the sound and you also get some bonus songs.

Reissue of a masterpiece. Remastered and with a bonus live disc addicted. I won't understimate the beauty of first press: artwork and original mixing will remain the true heritage of a lighteous power metal era, but this remastered edition is a great chance to get an original and phisical copy of a very hard to find milestone of this genre. Booklet reveals how carefully this new edition is managed by the band, with some precious lines describing those years. The new artwork too is an original and fascinating interpretation of the first one: definitively a good translation into this present time. Let the new gens sing the anthem of the world.