20 plus years in and 14 studio albums, this the third with long time members Timo Kotipelto (vocals), Jens Johansson (keyboard), joined by guitarist Matias Kupianinen who replaced original member Timo Tolkki (guitar, songwriter), Lauri Porra on bass, and recent addition Rolf Pilve on drums replacing Jorg Michael which they recorded the live DVD Under Flaming Winter Skies - Live in Tampere for.

So, with so much history, and after Tolkki, really the key songwriter, leaving, followed by Jorg, where does the name Stratovarius stand in 2013. Well, Kotipelto and Johansson have done a great job maintaining the Stratovarius signature sound and style. Matias (this the third recording with Strato) has really found his place in the band, not only playing guitar, but getting more involved in the songwriting, production, and you can hear that in the heavier guitar sound on opening track ‘Abandon’. ‘Unbreakable’ features more of the rougher guitar backed by accenting keys and Timo’s melodic vocal atop the musicianship. The change for what would be the solo is catchy and aggressive. ‘Stand My Ground’ carries over the harder guitar and includes a touch of vocal effects prior to the big chorus. ‘Halcyon Days’ picks up the power metal pace with Matias again driving the energy. Bright poppy keyboards the lighter ‘Fantasy’, prog and power meet during ‘Castles In The Air’ with a funky Steve Vaish guitar solo (good stuff). ‘Dragons’ is simple, straight forward, catchy and one of my favs, lead by an infectious keyboard and riff backed by a bouncy bass and solid drum in the vein of other Strato numbers ‘Why Are We Here?”, “Playing With Fire”, and ‘Paradise’. ‘If The Story Is Over’ is a crowning moment, a sweeping power ballad with acoustic guitars, orchestration, that’s easily a classic like others in the back catalogue. Strao have always been great at writing heartfelt compositions. Title track incorporates a cool guitar/keyboard dual, complete with a big chorus.

“Nemesis” is not breaking any new ground but the guys are sticking to their guns which is great to hear, thankfully not re writing the past, and finding their groove as a team. Well done.