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"If the recipe remains recognizable, it is executed with talent and the contribution of a few touches of evolution still allows Stratovarius to avoid sclerosis."
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4/5
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It's been a while since Stratovarius had offered us a second studio album without a change of personnel. The event deserved to be noted on the occasion of this "Eternal", which comes after a powerfull "Nemesis" (2013). Still produced by his replacement as guitarist, the talented Matias Kupiainen, "Eternal" seems to try to find the right balance between the progressive approach of the superb "Elysium" and the power of the deluge of fire offered on "Nemesis".
It is towards the latter that the first salvo sends the listener back. The subtle balance between speed and melody complemented by an unstoppable chorus is immediately found on 'My Eternal Dream'. The format is hyper-classical but still as efficient with its unavoidable duel between guitar and keyboards. Unfortunately, as the recipe is reused many times afterwards, the intensity sometimes gives way to a touch of weariness, especially as the hooks are not always systematic. However, this lack of immediacy sometimes hides qualities that require several listenings to be tamed. The contribution of symphonic elements (choirs, strings) comes to enrich a 'Rise Above It' behind a flood of notes and double-pedals, while the sharp riff and the catchy chorus of 'In My Line Of Work' can't leave one indifferent.
We have to wait for 'Lost Without A Trace', a fake ballad with an alternating tempi structure in a melancholic atmosphere, to discover the first island offered by Stratovarius. This allows the listener to catch his breath in the middle of tracks mainly dedicated to power and speed of execution, trademark of the Nordic band. It will then be possible to stop on the electro elements and the solemn chorus of 'Man In The Mirror', or to cling to the haunting melody, a kind of ritornel worthy of Nightwish's compatriots, which brings a touch of originality to 'Few Are Those'. However, it's the finale, composed of the majestic power ballad 'Fire In Your Eyes' and the epic 'The Lost Saga', that will mainly catch the attention. With its symphonic elements, the latter is closer to a 'Destiny' than to the grandiose 'Elysium', while keeping an epic dimension and a progressive structure before a grandiloquent finale.
Less ambitious than 'Elysium' but a little more varied than 'Nemesis', this new opus remains a good delivery from the Finns who manage to maintain a high quality level. Risk taking is limited and a little more variety would have been welcome. However, we won't sulk our pleasure because, if the recipe remains recognizable, it is executed with talent and the contribution of a few touches of evolution still allows Stratovarius to avoid sclerosis. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. My Eternal Dream - 6:04
02. Shine In The Dark - 5:05
03. Rise Above It - 4:26
04. Lost Without A Trace - 5:27
05. Feeding The Fire - 4:12
06. In My Line Of Work - 4:18
07. Man In The Mirror - 4:43
08. Few Are Those - 4:11
09. Fire In Your Eyes - 4:14
10. Lost Saga - 11:39
LINEUP:
Jens Johansson: Claviers
Lauri Porra: Basse
Matias Kupiainen : Guitares
Rolf Pilve: Batterie
Timo Kotipelto: Chant
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READERS
4.5/5 (2 view(s))
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STAFF:
4/5 (2 view(s))
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