STRATOVARIUS: Entire New Album
Available For Streaming - May 22, 2009
"Polaris", the new album from Finnish melodic
metallers STRATOVARIUS, is available for streaming
in its entirety on iLike.com. The CD will
be released in the U.S. on May 26 via Armoury
Records (a division of Eagle Rock
Entertainment).
The group's first
CD since the departure of guitar player and main composer Timo
Tolkki will feature the following track
listing:
01. Deep Unknown (Matias Kupiainen/Timo
Kotipelto)
02. Falling Star (Lauri Porra/Lauri Porra)
03. King of Nothing (Jens Johansson/Jens
Johansson)
04. Blind (Jens Johansson/Jens Johansson)
05. Winter Skies (Jens Johansson/Jens
Johansson)
06. Forever is Today (Lauri Porra/Lauri
Porra)
07. Higher We Go (Timo Kotipelto, Matias
Kupiainen/Timo Kotipelto)
07. Somehow Precious (Timo Kotipelto, Matias
Kupiainen/Timo Kotipelto)
09. Emancipation Suite Part I: Dusk (Lauri
Porra/Lauri Porra)
10. Emancipation Suite Part II: Dawn (Lauri
Porra/Lauri Porra)
11. When Mountains Fall (Lauri Porra/Lauri
Porra)
12. Second Sight (Matias Kupiainen/Timo
Kotipelto)
The cover artwork for "Polaris" was created by
Gyula Havancsák and can be viewed below.
Commented keyboardist Jens Johansson: "We are very
happy to have found strong label partners for the new era of
STRATOVARIUS who truly believe in the band and are
as enthusiastic as we are. I can't wait to hit the road again and
meet all fans who supported us through all our good and bad
times."
In September 2008, freed from many burdens of negativity, the band
found the freedom to go into seclusion for almost a month in a
cottage by the sea in a Finnish forest to relax, laugh, write
songs, be creative together, and record. And they found themselves
being a band reborn. The result is a melodic, powerful, fresh,
tight, and technically elaborate new album.
"Polaris" was recorded in the fall 2008 at
Hästholmen and 5by5 studios in
Helsinki, Finland. Mixed by the longtime confidant of the band
Mikko Karmila the album became another shining
polar star at the Northern sky. Powerful melodies mingle with
sophisticated arrangements, strong anthems stand alongside heavy
songs. 11 songs full of energy, musicianship, and a positive
outlook.
Vocalist Timo Kotipelto explains:
"'Polaris' is a positive, powerful album that
STRATOVARIUS fans all over the world are certain
to take to their hearts."
STRATOVARIUS' latest addition is 25-year-old
Finnish guitar phenomenon Matias Kupiainen.
Drummer Jörg Michael said, "In
Matias we found new character who fits perfectly
with his way of melodic guitar shredding. He is a killer player, a
'wunderkind' from Finland!"
STRATOVARIUS 2009 is:
Timo Kotipelto - Vocals
Matias Kupiainen - Guitars
Lauri Porra - Bass
Jörg Michael - Drums
Jens Johansson - Keyboards
