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Elements Part 2, the obvious sequel to Elements Part 1. Now, if you've listened to Elements Part 1, then you probably realized that the song writing from Stratovarius has hit that inevitable bump in the road that most bands are plagued with. Probably it's the lack of creativity, or the band's inner turmoil within the time period of the Elements' song writing sessions (basically drama), or even the possibility of the songs composition limiting the musicians from truly expressing the talent that their fan base happens to be too familiar with. What ever may be the case, Elements Part 2 does not show any light of improvement that you may be expecting from recent bumps in the song writing road that was produced in Elements Part 1.
Basically, songs like I Walk To My Own Song, I'm Still Alive, and Dreamweaver show Stratovarius's signature sound of power metal, and are clear standouts that any fan will enjoy. While others such as Awaken the Giant are energetic, but remain stale consistently throughout the entire song, not even the solo can deliver. Even the ballads have some sort staleness present, except the album's closer, Liberty. But there are songs like Season of Faith's Perfection that have a nice solo from Timo, but at the end it all depends on the listener's opinion altogether if they would except it as a good song or not. Yet, there still is hope. Songs such as Know the Difference or Luminous aren't real clear standouts, but they make their case as enjoyable songs nonetheless. It's kind of hard to really label these songs in particular as good or bad, and that seems to be the case for most of the album. The listener has to decide for themselves if they're worthy enough based on their own opinion.
As a conclusion, Elements pt. 2 is a complete mixed bag. It seems that the album is more neutral then anything else. This alone is the real tragic downfall of the album. It had a lot of good ideas, but the composing makes the songs limited in variety. Though the facts remain the same - most songs tend to be bland on a lot of aspects, and they really depend on the listener to decide if they are worth their time in the future. Thankfully, there are enjoyable songs that can be included in your own personal setlist. That is, if you want to keep any song off of the album.
Personally, I don't recommend this album for anyone about to look into this band. You might want to start with another album if you planned to start with this album as your first Stratovarius experience. I would only recommend this album to the die hard Stratovarius fans.
Recommended songs:
I Walk To My Own Song
Dreamweaver
I'm Still Alive
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Album Rating: 2.5
Well, this is my second review.
Any constructive criticism is welcomed.
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The review seems to be closer to a 2, to be honest. The concise style of your writing and the descriptions of the numerous positives and negatives, help me picture the quality of the album.
Good review. Pos'd.
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Thanks man.
idk maybe if you listened to it you might know what I'm talking about it being average, because like I said it's so damn neutral. Personally I can't say this album is poorly written. It's close, but yet again it's not. Don't get me wrong it has its good parts but they're short lived.
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Gamma Ray's debut kind of gives me that feeling; it is pretty much a halfway split between awesome and
cringe-worthy Power Metal. So, with that said, I see what you mean by that.
On an unrelated note, I'm interested in listening to Stratovarius but I don't know where to start.
Since you are well-versed in their material, what albums would you suggest to start with?
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
Well, I started off with Infinite, and it's a pretty awesome album. After that I would suggest you look into Fourth Dimension to present day material. I've read that the first three albums are more slower and not that all much power metal, and I haven't listened to them.
Also avoid their self-titled it blows. But if you like most of their stuff I do recommend you check out Element albums. Just listen to part 2 last. It's kind of hard to enjoy if you're not a fan.
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Thank you for the suggestions; I'll definitely check out those albums. I love finding new bands, and I hope this might be the beginning of another Power Metal favorite!
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
Oh, hell yeah they're definitely a power metal band that's in my top favorites such as Mystic Prophecy, Firewind, Warmen, Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian, Helloween, Avantasia, Edguy, Sonata Arctica, Primal Fear, and Rhapsody of Fire! I fucking love those power metal bands!
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It is good to know someone else who loves Primal Fear! They are so underrated and overlooked; Seven Seals, Nuclear Fire and especially Unbreakable are incredible.
I would also agree with Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian (these two are my personal favorites), Helloween, and Sonata Arctica. Looks like I need to listen to a lot more Power Metal! Also I noticed a lack of Iced Earth in your list; do you listen to them or have you heard of them?
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
I listen to them. Personally, I consider them to be heavy metal or thrash more so then power metal, but they have some power moments.
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I would agree. Though Horror Show was my first Power Metal album, I never really understood why they
were considered closer to Power than Thrash. Especially Burnt Offerings and Night of the Stormrider;
both of which are extremely heavy and void of almost all Power Metal elements (save for a chorus or
two).
I wasn't sure if you included them as Power Metal because they are usually grouped as such.
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
I don't blame you, but they are pretty sick at times.
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Oh yes; their newest album, Dark Saga, Horror Show, and Burnt Offerings are some of my favorite metal. Burnt Offerings in particular was shocking because of its brutality and darkness, and is easily one of my favorite albums of all time (I would say it is just below Rust in Peace in quality).
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trve
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god damn this band wins worst album covers
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Covers are not that bad , but this album is really an inoffensive LP that is responsable for the decline of a once amazing band
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
Thanks System. I do need to edit some stuff just like my first review that I noticed after submitting. Unfortunately, I still keep getting some "fatal error" crap that's preventing me from editing.
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Stratovarius is the band that you just need one of their best of albums
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
lol no
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