As with their most recent three albums, “Polaris”, “Elysium”, “Nemesis”, lone members from the classic lineup Timo Kotipelto and Jens Johansson, with new additions; Lauri Porra on bass, Matias Kupiainen on guitar and handling production, maintain all the band’s trademark qualities on “Eternal”. Problem is, and I love Strato, been in their corner since day one, “Eternal” may be a statement for their longevity, but a stalemate on creativity, unfortunately.

Let me explain. “Eternal” is very consistent for this new lineup, heavier grittier guitars, with forceful rhythms with a rampaging bottom end, like on the opener ‘My Eternal Dream’, are just too predictable at this point after twenty five years of music. The last album, “Nemesis”, was a fine embracing of post- Tolkki singing period of Strato, and incorporating the more modern and challenging prog concepts guitarist Matias brought to the table. But, after the first track, and Jens’ keys and Matias’ riffs kick in for ‘Shine In The Dark’, as Timo’s vocals enter it all feels all too familiar. And this wasn’t really the issue on the previous three albums with this lineup, but after three albums with this chemistry the arrangements should be more adventurous, less typical. Honestly I was hoping this grouping of players would have gone back to the creativity and varied songs from “Dreamscape” and “Twilight Time”, by this point.

With that, ‘Rise Above It’ nicely shows all the players chops and recalls the skillfulness of the classic “Visions” album, incorporates a solid guitar and keyboard solo/tradeoff. ‘Lost Without A Trace’ pulls back on the speed as guitars drop out for keyboards and kicks back in for the chorus, and actually the changes midway do briefly pull in those off center “Dreamscape” composition ideas. This one is one of the more interesting songs. ‘In My Line Of Work’ keeps with the energy level with effective ascending verses to the soaring chorus. ‘Man In The Mirror’ has a solid punchier rhythm pre-chorus, and by losing the sped up chorus (?) may have improved the arrangement. ‘Fire In Your Eyes’ is your ballad, but I bet even the band will admit is hard to followup ‘If the Story Is Over’.

I don’t know, it’s not bad, it’s Stratovarius. Maybe it will grow on me. Still, I was hoping they would go back to a few more straight forward hard rockers (‘Dragons) or headbangers (‘Reign Of Terror’, ‘Break The Ice’), and incorporating a couple different keyboard tones, etc.