Stratovarius will always be thought of in two eras; the time with Timo Tolkki and the time without. He was the main songwriter and the brain behind the band, but after he left in 2008, they’ve pushed forward and have released fine albums without his contribution.
Do we really need a Best of now? Well, I will let you decide on your own because isolated speaking it’s a fine collection of some the best moments in Stratovarius’ long career. All songs have been remastered and the real gem is hidden in the bonus disc, only available on the Special Edition: a live recording from Wacken Open Air 2015.
The songs I’d expect or should I say those I would select are all there, and they have even found room for two of their best epic songs in “Destiny” and “Elysium”. The sole new song, “Until the End of Days” is a typical up-tempo and powerful song that fit the direction of the band right now.
This is a fine place to start if you want to get to know Stratovarius and/or want to learn about European Power Metal. The rest of you – think careful before you decide to buy this, and if you do so then I suggest you spend the extra bucks on the Special Edition.
Tracklist:
CD1
- Until the End of Days
- My Eternal Dream
- Eagleheart
- Speed of Light
- O.S.
- Forever Free
- Wings of Tomorrow
- No Turning Back
- Break the Ice
- Distant Skies
- Will the Sun Rise?
- A Million Light Years Away
- Under Flaming Skies
- Darkest Hour
- Winter Skies
- I Walk to My Own Song
- Maniac Dance
CD2
- Halcyon Days
- Will My Soul Rest In Peace?
- Destiny
- Paradise
- Deep Unknown
- Elysium
- Black Diamond
- If the Story is Over
- Unbreakable
- Forever
- Shine in the Dark
- Hunting High and Low
Bonus Disc
- Intro
- Black Diamond
- Eagleheart
- Against the Wind
- Dragons
- Legions of the Twilight
- Paradise
- Shine in the Dark
- Speed of Light
- Unbreakable
- Hunting High and Low
Playing Time: CD 1 – 79:12, CD 2 – 76:32, Bonus disc – 54:52
Release date: May 20, 2016
Label: earMUSIC
Website: www.stratovarius.com
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