Timo Tolkki's Revolution Renaissance are back after 2008's debut New Era, a solid CD that with a few exeptions just failed to excite, lacking something and basically left me with a feeling of déjà vu. So how does this new CD compare to his former band Stratovarius' latest Polaris? Well, if you purchased Polaris and not this as yet, then maybe you should also get Age Of Aquarius.
Age Of Aquarius' biggest surprise is the lack of rapid power metal, something which New Era had its share of and Tolkki's well known for; the tempo has certainly been dropped. Now with a proper and also talented line-up, unlike New Era which was like a solo CD with its many guest spots, so in some ways this makes Age Of Aquarius the first Revolution Renaissance album. Let's give credit to Tolkki, he could have just released another Strato sounding CD but he hasn't, though some will probably be hoping for such a release, but hey, then go get yourself Polaris if that's what you desire.
Age Of Aquarius sounds imposing, as you would expect of any of Tolkki's releases, from the entertaining rocking title track and more, this CD has many satisfying songs, like the catchy heavy pounder "Ixion's Wheel" and the pumping "Behind The Mask". "So She Wears Black" is a grand slow and very powerful track, Tolkki also throws in some surprises like the folk influences on "Into The Future".
At the end of the day, Age Of Aquarius is a step up from New Era; Revolution Renaissance now has more of its own sound, Age Of Aquarius like New Era is an album that has had it's share of mixed reviews, but I think there are enough positives to warrant 4 out of 5 stars.
Track list:
1. Age Of Aquarius
2. Sins Of My Beloved
3. Ixion’s Wheel
4. Behind The Mask
5. Ghost Of Fallen Grace
6. The Heart Of All
7. So She Wears Black
8. Kyrie Eleison
9. Into The Future
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