Polaris

Polaris is a comeback record on which Stratovarius, powerfully returning to the core of power metal with a new lineup, vividly inscribes the fresh air of a restart. Made after overcoming the great crisis of the departure of founder Timo Tolkki, who had long supported the band, and welcoming the new guitarist Matias Kupiainen. Fluid keyboards, fast, soaring guitar and a sky-piercing vocal melody powerfully carry hope and a pleasant tension at once. From the powerful speed of the opener “Deep Unknown” and the lyrical “Winter Skies” to cuts like “Falling Star,” “King of Nothing” and “Higher We Go,” every song is full of bright, powerful energy announcing the band’s full revival. Each song has sure drama and is amply engaging. Its great significance lies in beautifully turning the great change the band faced into powerful, forward-looking energy, rather than backward stagnation. While faithfully keeping the traditional melodic-power-metal style, it is a record that clearly conveys a fresh beginning of a new chapter. A moving comeback filled with the powerful will of a band that overcame difficulty.