Copyright © 1998 Modern Music
1. Destiny
2. Sos
3. No Turning Back
4. 4000 Rainy Nights
5. Rebel
6. Years Go By
7. Playing With Fire
8. Venus In The Morning
9. Anthem Of The World
10. Cold Winter Nights
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To scratch the progressive metal itch, the technical proficiency of the players must not outshine the songwriting sensibilities of the band as a whole. Stratovarius push the line with wholly indulgent vocal and instrumental buildup but vindicate themselves through a liberated guitar lead jamming alongside exploratory riff structures. The almost cinematic nature of this approach to sound and dynamicism in music can drown some of the subtleties buried beneath "heavy metal" signature styles in percussion and stringed musicianship. Most clearly called to mind would be Queensryche and Iron Maiden, but this reviewer can detect shreds of Queen and Yes as firm but underplayed groundwork. For those who desire this style Stratovarius are delicious.
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