"Visions" is already the sixth album of the Finnish band Stratovarius which progresses from album to album since its rather chaotic beginning. "Episode" had shown a band sure of itself and of its creativity. For their new album, Stratovarius chooses to indulge in a usual exercise in metal, namely a concept album. This one deals with the prophecies of Nostradamus. The album is the almost complete work of Timo Tolki, the guitarist, leader and only original member of the band.
Without moving away from its favorite style, the melodic speed metal, Stratovarius realizes there undoubtedly one of its best albums to date presenting all the qualities of the group. Because if the previous albums had some weak moments, everything is perfect here from the first to the last track.
Stratovarius offers very fast tracks like 'Black diamond' or 'Holy light' on which Timo Kotipelto still proves his very extended vocal capacities as well as calmer and more melancholic tracks. As much at ease in the mid-tempi like on 'The kiss of Judas' as on the more progressive tracks, "Visions" is a true demonstration of the extent of the musicians' capacities and of the quality of Tolki's composition.
"Visions" is a superb album that will make Stratovarius one of the pillars of the genre. To discover this band, this album is highly recommended.