Check out this band (sound files included)...

[En Vind Av Sorg]

That was their 8th album.

EDIT - Titled "Infinite" BTW.

Yea I meant Episode, and Im retarded, please pardon that Im not sure where my mind was. Visions and Episode are my favourites though. And I always forget about the first few where Timo Tolki sang, because those bastards never play anything from that era and basically deny its exsistence.

 

[General Zod]

I think an appreciation for Stratovarius is completely dependant on when you got into them. It seems that those who enjoy their music, followed their career as it progressed. They were one of the few bands keeping Power Metal alive in the early 90s. So if you wanted Power Metal, you had very few options. However, in more recent years, the genre has exploded. And the number of bands who are vastly superior to Stratovarius is to numerous to count. I've gone back and tried to listen to those early to mid-career Stratovarius discs, and I just can't get into them at all.

And as far as good Power Metal goes, a few of lesser known bands that I think are fantastic include:

Tad Morose
Pyramaze
Brainstrom
Lanfear

Zod

 

[En Vind Av Sorg]

Havent heard Lanfear, but I like the latest Pyramaze CD and Ive heard a few Brainstorm tracks that I liked.
I agree with you for the most part about Stratovarius. Given the state of power metal currently, I cant see them making too many new fans unless they release something drastically new and excellent (which I cant really see happening).

 

[lizard]

I'm just interested to see what they sound like after Tolki's complete meltdown.

who was it who pissed on the other bandmember during a show?

 

[En Vind Av Sorg]

That was so rediculous when all of that happened. Timo posted pictures of himself covered in blood on the homepage, he kicked everyone out and they had some female singer for like 3 months when he was having psychotic visions. Then he found god, got fatter, and got the band back together. I think someone stabbed him in the arm with a box cutter at one point too.

 

[Demonspell]

That was so rediculous when all of that happened. Timo posted pictures of himself covered in blood on the homepage, he kicked everyone out and they had some female singer for like 3 months when he was having psychotic visions. Then he found god, got fatter, and got the band back together. I think someone stabbed him in the arm with a box cutter at one point too.

Relive the whole clusterfuck here: http://www.lotfp.com/content.php?editorialid=53

 

[General Zod]

Havent heard Lanfear...

An aggressive blend of Power and Prog, with strong, distinct vocals. I'd highly recommend "The Art Effect".

...but I like the latest Pyramaze CD and Ive heard a few Brainstorm tracks that I liked.

If you like the new one, definitely check out the debut, as it's the stronger of the two, in my opinion. As for Brainstorm, check out "Metus Mortis" is you want something heavier/thrashier, and check out "Soul Temptation" for something more melodic.

Zod

 

[Nico]

Relive the whole clusterfuck here: http://www.lotfp.com/content.php?editorialid=53

"You hired a new singer and doused her in real blood for the introductory photo shoot? Get off my planet, Mr. Tolkki, because I don't care if you're a liar or a moron, either way, off! Off I say!"

 

[jimbobhickville]

oh yeah, completely forgot about that mess. As for Brainstorm, I have Ambiguity, and I listen to it maybe twice a year. Didn't care for the earlier ones, didn't listen to the later ones.

But I hardly listen to power metal, so twice a year is actually saying a lot for them

 

[En Vind Av Sorg]

Ohh man I just read that whole analysis of the Stratononsense, that was awesome, the commentary is the best part

 

[lizard]

it is hilarious....I had to go fix the Bunn coffeemaker but I'm back to finish it.

 

[JayKeeley]

modern Euro power metal starts and ends with....

LOST HORIZON


(debut album)

 

[lizard]

modern Euro power metal starts and ends with....

LOST HORIZON

true because if it was ALL power metal you would have to factor in Angra

 

[AsModEe]

Lost Horizon first album is great, but I wonder how they'll turn out without their amazing singer

 

[lizard]

True, that...

 

[AsModEe]

True, that...

 

[Krigloch the Furious]

a flame to the ground beneath > awakening the world

 

[AsModEe]

no

 

[Krigloch the Furious]

awakening the world is nowhere near as good.

 

[AsModEe]

it's better