Eternal is the new album by the enduring melodic power metal group Stratovarius. The last Stratovarius album Nemesis sure was impressive, so much so that as I wrote in my review I felt that Nemesis was the strongest post Timo Tolkki era release, including some of their best work to date. Stratovarius aren't playing it totally safe as Eternal is another album that brings with it some differences while still staying quite faithful to the past.
Vocalist Timo Kotipleto has already contributed his lead vocals to the latest Cain's Offering release Stromcrow earlier this year. And here on Eternal Timo does another top job and then there is the always welcome input of keyboardist Jens Johannson who also appeared on that same album. Though as comparable melodic recording go I do prefer what Stormcrow has to offer, now that's not saying that Eternal is a disappointing Stratovarius album as it's actually quite the opposite.
Eternal kicks in with a Stratovarius style speedster "My Eternal Dream" and there are others such as "Rise Above It" with catchy choruses and engaging keyboard/guitar solo passages as they get that neo-classical shred on. Melodic rockers are included like "Shine In The Dark", "Feeding The Fire" and one of my picks is the very addictive "Man In The Mirror" as Stratovarius incorporate that very effective modern metal styling. "Lost Without A Trace" has a cracking chorus and there are many more of those on Eternal. Stratovarius have recorded some wonderful numbers that go beyond you standard running time over the years such as "We Hold The Key", "Visions (Southern Cross)", "Destiny", "Infinity", and in more recent years the enthralling power/progressive metal track "Elysium". Eternal has another and this one is titled "The Lost Saga", an epic track that I had high hopes for and "The Lost Saga" turned out to be one of Eternal's stronger inclusions rich with alluring melodies and vocals.
Compared to say the last three Stratovarius albums overall Eternal may not be the frontrunner though nonetheless Eternal is another very enjoyable melodic release.
Track Listing
1. My Eternal Dream
2. Shine In The Dark
3. Rise Above It
4. Lost Without A Trace
5. Feeding The Fire
6. In My Line Of Work
7. Man In The Mirror
8. Few Are Those
9. Fire In Your Eyes
10. Lost Saga
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