May is a month of spring and almost summer-like notes here in Scandinavia, so what would be better than to pick up an album with a lot of hope, melody and sheer power? Not much we decided, so below you can read our accounts of Finland's Stratovarius' album "Episode", which by some accounts you already should know by now!

Tordah: Stratovarius is a legendary band in the power metal genre and I'm sure everyone is familiar with the name. It's one of those band-names you always remember even if you haven't heard the music. Stratovarius released their debut album "Fright Night" in 1989 and has since then released many albums and have had an impressive career. "Episode" was released in 1996 and was the fifth Strato-album. This was also the first album to feature the "classic" Stratovarius line-up with Timo Tolkki on the guitar, Jari Kainulainen on bass, Jens Johansson on keyboards, Jörg Michael on drums as well as vocalist Timo Kotipelto. This line-up is present still today and "Episode" is where it all begun. When people ask what Strato-album is the best they are often referred to either "Visions" or "Episode". It can change from time to time for me which one I prefer but "Episode" is definitely the one that features the most variation of all their albums. 12 original tracks with a running time of roughly 60 minutes are what we get here. Several eternal Strato-classics can be found on this one and it's not hard to see why it's so universally praised.

The title track 'Episode' is a laid-back instrumental piece with some really beautiful guitar-lines. Some of the themes on this track were further explored on the "Destiny" album as some fans surely have noticed. When 'Episode' is over it leads into what is possibly the coolest power metal song ever, 'Speed Of Light'. Right from the awesome opening riff the song grabs you by the throat and demands your full attention. Some of the fastest and most insane Stratovarius solos can be heard in this masterpiece. Short, lightning-fast and just badass. After this furious offering the following song 'Uncertainty' lets you regain your breath with its heavy riffing (by Stratovarius standards) and groovy bass-lines. A track that often seems to get overlooked on this album but it's definitely not a bad one. As always there's a powerful chorus present and this one gets stuck in your head easily. 'Season Of Change' starts out as a ballad with an acoustic guitar and piano playing while Kotipelto provides one of his sincerest and most heartfelt performances. This song features some progressive elements and it constantly keeps on building atmosphere until the ending climax. About 3 minutes into the song there's an absolutely godly keyboard solo followed by an even godlier guitar-solo. After this the songs starts to get an eerie feel to it and the hair in your neck start to stand straight up because you just know that sooner or later it will explode into something big. The moment arrives when the song erupts into an incredible epic moment when Kotipelto's haunting vocals enter again to finish off this fantastic track. One of the best songs of the whole album.

The album is soon reaching its end and next track up is the masterpiece 'Night Time Eclipse'. This track also features some progressive elements and another extremely well-done build-up and climax. Very cool riffs and melodies in this one as well as an somewhat unsettling atmosphere throughout its 8 minutes duration. This is without a doubt one of the best songs Stratovarius has ever made. The parts towards the end always send chills down my spine and the lyrics complement the feelings of the music perfectly. "Waiting for the dawn soon to arrive, so few options that I have and I can see. Life's circumstances can be so cruel. If I take a chance I just might make the wrong move." I believe that these lines are something everyone can relate to. The last track on the album is 'Forever' which is probably the best ballad by Stratovarius ever. A beautiful and serene song that features an acoustic guitar, a flute, strings arrangements and Timo Kotipelto's amazing voice. The ultimate chill-out song to reflect upon what you've just experienced.

"Episode" is a masterpiece and a milestone in power metal history. I believe the strength and long-lasting appeal of the album lies within its strong variation. Every song has its own life and identity and it's not one of those albums that has 10 songs that all follow the same formula. "Episode" is arguably the pinnacle of Stratovarius' long-lasting career and still remains as an inspirational source for new and up-coming bands. A classic album that must be heard by everyone who claims to be a power metal fan.

AvNatten: In most circles Finland is known for its dark and melancholic side of metal but the country is by no means limited to these aspects. For instance Stratovarius, this band will take you on a power metal journey through the magnificent skies above. Though there has been alot of negativity and drama surrounding the band in days of late, they once were kings in their own right.

"Episode" was a new door opening for Stratovarius, not only did they delve even deeper into their metal aspects but they also gained two new members, keyboardist Jens Johansson and drummer Jörg Michael. The addition of these two members brought the band to greater heights through the power and atmosphere of their playing and how it complimented the rest of the band. The instruments blend perfectly together and the band sounds tight and well rehearsed with clean and clear production as an added bonus. The guitars play a dazzling array of melodies, riffs and solos, some so catchy they will spring back into your mind far after you have finished listening to the album. There is no questioning that Timo Tolkki is an exceptional guitarist. The drums are crisp and solid keeping up with the sometimes frantic pace of the guitars and bass which also provides some excellent low end leadwork. The highlight of the album for me is definitely the track 'Eternity' with its keyboard intro that bursts into a rollicking and catchy riff that propels the song forward. Timo Kotipelto's voice sounds great on this track and that paired up with the catchy chorus and great lyrics make this outstanding. The remaining tracks are good as well and each has its own identity, including 'Babylon' with its Egyptian sounding intro which is a nice variation.

'Episode' shows the band at what was possibly the peak of their existence. I see this as being a very worthy addition to the CD collections of those who worship power metal and appreciate a good guitar virtuoso. It is fairly easy to get into and the catchiness and skilled songwriting of the tracks will give the listener an experience they are sure to remember.

Anders: Finland's top exponent of symphonic power metal with a neoclassical touch and all in between of the mentioned genres, must be Stratovarius. A band hailed and praised throughout their career, delivering one solid album after the other. The band's main attraction has always been guitarist and main-songwriter Timo Tolkki, a virtuoso with the six strings and a master of writing good and catchy tunes, with a good technical aspect. The band has besides Tolkki always consisted of other good musicians, and I guess it is the band's best line-up ever which is present on this album. Namely drummer Jörg Michael, keyboarder Jens Johansson, vocalist Timo Kotipleto and bassist Jari Kainulainen.

I am not very familiar with the band's older material, they only thing I own and have heard by the band is their newer albums, as this isn't a style that I listen to each day, and this is also my first encounter with this album, which by many are slated as the band's best throughout time.

As expected the album is a cornucopia of great guitarwork, the mainriffs are catchy and driving. The melodies smooth and hooking and all the leads and solos are amazing, both the more classical heavy metal solos and the flashing neoclassical elements which are worked into the music once in a while. The bass is good as well, it switches between keeping the rhythm together with the drums or keeping up with the guitars, we are really getting treated some great and fast play once in while. The drumming from Jörg Michael is powerful and driving as always, not many drummers hit as hard and with the same drive as him, he has always done good and added a lot of flair to the different bands he has worked with throughout time.

The distinctive, though good vocal from Kotipelto, has for my sake always taken a bit of time to get used to, when listening to a new Stratovarius album, or for that sake his solo albums. But it grows and after a while it gets stuck and unfolds itself, with all it treats. Powerful and melodic, full of passion and emotions, yet very fragile when needed, always a good match for music as this.

After having spent a good amount of time with this album, I can with a calm voice say that this is the best Stratovarius album that I so far have laid my ears upon. It offers all the classical Strato deeds, together with all the classical power metal deeds, with a good bunch of neoclassical and atmospherically elements and that, together with the powerful and yet detailed production makes a great album.

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