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For the album, see Stratovarius (album). Stratovarius is an Album by the Finnish Power metal band Stratovarius.
Stratovarius
Stratovarius and Sentiment in Tavastia, April 5, 2006.
Stratovarius and Sentiment in Tavastia, April 5, 2006.
Background information
Origin Helsinki, Finland
Genre(s) Power metal
Neo-classical metal
Progressive metal
Years active 1984 – present
Label(s) Nuclear Blast, Sanctuary, Noise
Website www.stratovarius.com
Members
Timo Kotipelto
Jens Johansson
Lauri Porra
Jörg Michael
Former members
See: #Former members

Stratovarius is a Finnish power metal band that formed in 1984. Helsinki (in Finnish;) or Helsingfors (in Swedish;) is the Capital and largest city of Finland. Finland, officially the Republic of Finland ( is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of northern Europe. A music genre is a categorical and typological construct that identifies musical sounds as belonging to a particular category and type of music that can be distinguished from other Power metal is a style of Heavy metal music combining characteristics of traditional metal with Thrash metal or Speed metal, often within For the historical original neoclassical music see Neoclassicism (music Neo-classical metal is a subgenre of Heavy metal music Progressive metal (often referred to simply as prog metal) is a sub-genre of Heavy metal music which blends the powerful guitar-driven sound of metal with the complex Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) In the Music industry, a record label can be a Brand and a Trademark associated with the Marketing of music recordings and Music Nuclear blast may refer to Nuclear explosion Nuclear Blast, a record label Sanctuary Records is a Record label based in the United Kingdom and a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. See also Noise Records (UK Noise Records is a German Record label founded by German Music industry personality Karl-Ulrich Walterbach Timo Antero Kotipelto (born March 15 1969) is the vocalist of the Finnish Power metal band Stratovarius and is the Jens Johansson (born November 2, 1963 in Stockholm) is a world-renowned Swedish Power metal keyboardist and pianist Discography Raskasta Joulua Raskaampaa Joulua (2006 Lauri Porra (2005 Most of the bands Michael has played with are in the power metal genre Finland, officially the Republic of Finland ( is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of northern Europe. Power metal is a style of Heavy metal music combining characteristics of traditional metal with Thrash metal or Speed metal, often within Although the German band Helloween is considered the earliest pioneer of the genre, Stratovarius is often regarded as crossing from classic power metal to keyboard-heavy modern power metal, influencing numerous bands to emerge during the 1990s. Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. Helloween is a German power / Speed metal band founded in the early 1980s by members of Iron Fist and Powerfool Some of Stratovarius's material, particularly their mid-career albums such as Fourth Dimension can be heard to have some progressive metal elements. Progressive metal (often referred to simply as prog metal) is a sub-genre of Heavy metal music which blends the powerful guitar-driven sound of metal with the complex While their first two albums (Fright Night and Twilight Time) have some NWOBHM elements. Fright Night is the debut Album by the Finnish Power metal band Stratovarius. The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (frequently abbreviated as NWOBHM) is a heavy metal music movement that started in the late 1970s in Britain, and achieved

Contents

History

Formation / Fright Night (1982 - 1989)

Stratovarius was founded in 1982 in Finland under the name Black Water. Finland, officially the Republic of Finland ( is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of northern Europe. The band experienced a number of personnel and stylistic changes before finding its own voice. The founding members were Tuomo Lassila, Staffan Stråhlman, and John Vihervä. In 1983, the name was changed to Stratovarius (a portmanteau of Stratocaster and Stradivarius), an idea of Stråhlman's. The Fender Stratocaster, often referred to as the Strat, is a model of Electric guitar designed by Leo Fender, George Fullerton and Freddie Tavares A Stradivarius is a Stringed instrument built by members of the Stradivari family particularly Antonio Stradivari. In 1984, Timo Tolkki joined the band replacing Stråhlman on guitar and taking up vocal duties as well. Timo Tolkki (born March 3 1966, in Nurmijärvi, Finland) is best known as the former Guitarist, Songwriter, and Tolkki became the driving force and mastermind of the band, assuming relatively complete control of the songwriting. He brought along not only strong rock influences, but also a neo-classical style. For the historical original neoclassical music see Neoclassicism (music Neo-classical metal is a subgenre of Heavy metal music

The band released a demo to various record companies by 1987, finally being picked up by CBS Finland. In 1988, they released their first two singles, "Future Shock" and "Black Night," followed by the 1989 debut album Fright Night. " Future Shock " is Stratovarius 's first single released in 1988 through CBS Finland. " Black Night " is Stratovarius 's second single from their 1989 debut album Fright Night. Fright Night is the debut Album by the Finnish Power metal band Stratovarius. Their "Future Shock" single was filmed the same year, becoming their first music video.

Twilight Time (1990 - 1993)

After being dropped by CBS, the band went through several member changes, but in 1991 they managed to release the album Stratovarius II on Bluelight Records, which was re-released as Twilight Time through Noise Records the next year. II is the second Album by the Finnish Power metal band Stratovarius. See also Noise Records (UK Noise Records is a German Record label founded by German Music industry personality Karl-Ulrich Walterbach The album was followed by one single, "Break the Ice," in 1992. Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar)

Dreamspace / Fourth Dimension (1994 - 1995)

In 1994, Stratovarius released their third album, Dreamspace, featuring new bass player Jari Kainulainen, who joined the band when 70% of the new material was already recorded. Dreamspace is an Album by the Finnish Power metal band Stratovarius. Jari Kainulainen is the Finnish born Bassist of the progressive power metal band Evergrey. No singles or music videos were recorded for the album.

Tolkki decided to stop singing for the band, and they hired a full-time singer, Timo Kotipelto. Timo Antero Kotipelto (born March 15 1969) is the vocalist of the Finnish Power metal band Stratovarius and is the The release of Fourth Dimension in 1995 was a huge success for the band, and had a following single called "Wings of Tomorrow. Year 1995 ( MCMXCV) was a Common year starting on Sunday. Events of 1995 " The song "Against the Wind" was filmed without any single support.

Episode / Visions (1996 - 1997)

Despite the success of Fourth Dimension, internal differences - particularly of the style the band was going for - prompted the departure of long-time drummer Tuomo Lassila and keyboardist Antti Ikonen. Two new non-Finnish members were recruited: Swedish keyboardist Jens Johansson (of Yngwie Malmsteen fame) and German drummer Jörg Michael. Jens Johansson (born November 2, 1963 in Stockholm) is a world-renowned Swedish Power metal keyboardist and pianist Yngwie Johann Malmsteen (ˈɪŋveɪ ˈmɑːlmstiːn in English (born Lars Johan Yngve Lannerbäck on June 30 1963 in Stockholm Sweden) is a Swedish Most of the bands Michael has played with are in the power metal genre

With the fifth release Episode in 1996, Stratovarius had finally found its sound and had a strong, diverse line-up. Episode is an Album by the Finnish Power metal band Stratovarius. Episode featured a large choir and a string orchestra. It was another commercial success. It resulted in two new singles, "Father Time" and "Will the Sun Rise?. "

Their next studio album, Visions, was released in 1997 without changes in line-up, and together with it came two singles, "Black Diamond" and "The Kiss of Judas. " Both of these were filmed.

1997 also saw the release of their first compilation album, The Past and Now. The Past and Now is a compilation Album by the Finnish Power metal band Stratovarius.

Destiny / Infinite (1998 - 2002)

Destiny was released in 1998, and Infinite in 2000. Destiny is an Album by the Finnish Power metal band Stratovarius. Infinite is an Album by the Finnish Power metal band Stratovarius. With these albums, their fame and fan-base expanded, and they started gaining a stronger following outside Scandinavia, particularly in Japan. Terminology and usage As a cultural term "Scandinavia" has no official definition and is subject to usage by those who identify with the culture in question as well For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. While Destiny only resulted in one single, "SOS," Infinte resulted in three: "Hunting High and Low," "It's a Mystery," and "A Million Light Years Away. "

In these years, Stratovarius also released three new compilation albums: The Chosen Ones in 1999, 14 Diamonds in 2000, and Intermission in 2001. The Chosen Ones is a compilation Album by the Finnish Power metal band Stratovarius. Intermission is a compilation Album by the Finnish Power metal band Stratovarius.

The Elements Saga and the break-up (2003 - 2004)

In 2003, the band released its most epic project yet, the two-album suite named Elements. With these albums, they reached a peak in their progressive and symphonic style of power metal. Progressive metal (often referred to simply as prog metal) is a sub-genre of Heavy metal music which blends the powerful guitar-driven sound of metal with the complex Symphonic metal or opera metal is a term used to describe Heavy metal music that has symphonic elements that is elements that sound similar to a Power metal is a style of Heavy metal music combining characteristics of traditional metal with Thrash metal or Speed metal, often within The first album, Elements, Pt. 1, was released in early 2003, followed by a world tour. Elements Pt 1 is an Album by the Finnish Power metal band Stratovarius. The same year, it was followed by Elements, Pt. 2, also released on Nuclear Blast. Elements Pt 2 is an Album by the Finnish Power metal band Stratovarius.

In late 2003, the band broke up, with Timo Kotipelto and Jörg Michael leaving after a very vaguely-explained conflict. Timo Antero Kotipelto (born March 15 1969) is the vocalist of the Finnish Power metal band Stratovarius and is the Most of the bands Michael has played with are in the power metal genre Tolkki hired a new singer, Katriina "Miss K" Wiiala, and Anders Johansson of Hammerfall (Jens' brother) temporarily on drums. Anders Johansson (born 25 May 1962 in Gothenburg) is a Swedish musician For The C J Cherryh novel see The Gene Wars universe. HammerFall is a Power metal band from Gothenburg, Sweden The rest of 2004 saw almost complete silence from the band.

Despite the break-up, the band still had to finish off their Elements tour. While touring in Spain, Tolkki was announced to have been attacked by a furious fan. Rock magazines and tabloid papers showed pictures of the stabbed guitarist. However, some time later news begun to spread that no stabbing actually happened. Around the same time, Tolkki was hospitalized because of severe mental illness.

Reunited (2005 - 2007)

In January 2005, it was announced that Stratovarius had reunited with the former line-up. In June 2005, Tolkki announced that the band's bassist, Jari Kainulainen, had left the band due to personal reasons. Jari Kainulainen is the Finnish born Bassist of the progressive power metal band Evergrey. He was replaced by Lauri Porra, a young Finnish musician. Discography Raskasta Joulua Raskaampaa Joulua (2006 Lauri Porra (2005

Stratovarius then released the self-titled album Stratovarius in September 2005. Stratovarius is an Album by the Finnish Power metal band Stratovarius. During this time, Stratovarius began a world tour, starting in Argentina, which included a North American leg, where they toured the United States and Canada for the first time in the band's history. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Argentina topics. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page They played at such events as Atlanta's ProgPower, and in well-known venues such as B. B. King's House Of Blues in New York and Philadelphia's Trocadero Theatre. New York ( is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States and is the nation's third most populous Philadelphia (ˌfɪləˈdɛlfiə For the origins of the word Trocadero and other places where it has been used see Trocadero (disambiguation. The tour also included European and Japanese cities. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics.

2008 Internal troubles

After a long period of silence, on March 4, 2008, Timo Tolkki officially stated the break-up of Stratovarius on his site. Internal tensions within the band were cited as the cause, saying that Lauri Porra and Jens Johannson were his only supporters, Jorg Michael was more focused on his session work, and Kotipelto was best for having a band by himself. The band was planning to release a new studio album, codenamed R. . . . R. . . . . , in 2008. Instead, however, Tolkki will be releasing the album himself in June 2008, and will be forming a new band around the album, called "Revolution Renaissance". Revolution Renaissance is a multinational heavy metal band founded by guitarist Timo Tolkki after he left Stratovarius in year 2008

The remaining members of Stratovarius, however, posted a statement online giving their side of the story. They concluded by saying that the band was very much alive, but that Tolkki will no longer be a part of it. [1]

Tolkki rebutted with another statement online, his final statement, wherein he waived the rights to the Stratovarius name, as well as all profits from their back-catalogue. [2] Since Tolkki has written 95% of all Stratovarius songs since 1989, the continuation of the band without Tolkki will almost certainly change the musical direction of the band. Stratovarius is a Finnish Power metal band that formed in 1983

Band members

Former members

Member History

1982-1984 John Vihervä bass guitar, Tuomo Lassila Drums, Vocals, Staffan Stråhlman Guitar

1985-1986 Tuomo Lassila Drums, Timo Tolkki, Guitar, Vocals Jyrki Lentonen, bass guitar

1987-1990 Tuomo Lassila Drums, Timo Tolkki, Guitar, Vocals Jyrki Lentonen, bass guitar, Antti Ikonen, Keyboard

1991-1992 Tuomo Lassila Drums, Timo Tolkki, Guitar, Vocals, Bass Guitar(Studio) Antti Ikonen, Keyboards Jari Behm Bass Guitar (live)

1993 Tuomo Lassila Drums, Timo Tolkki, Guitar, Vocals, Antti Ikonen, Keyboards Jari Kainulainen Bass Guitar

1994 Jörg Michael Drums, Timo Tolkki, Guitar, Vocals, Antti Ikonen, Keyboards Jari Kainulainen Bass Guitar

1995 Jörg Michael Drums, Timo Tolkki, Guitar, Timo Kotipelto Vocals, Antti Ikonen Keyboards, Jari Kainulainen Bass Guitar

1996-2003 Jörg Michael Drums, Timo Tolkki, Guitar, Timo Kotipelto Vocals, Jens Johansson Keyboards, Jari Kainulainen Bass Guitar

2004 Katriina "Miss K" Wiiala Vocals, Timo Tolkki guitar, Jari Kainulainen Bass Guitar, Jens Johansson Keyboards, Anders Johansson, Drums

2005 Jörg Michael Drums, Timo Tolkki, Guitar, Timo Kotipelto Vocals, Jens Johansson, Keyboards Jari Kainulainen Bass Guitar

2006-2008 Jörg Michael Drums, Timo Tolkki, Guitar, Vocals, Jens Johansson, Keyboards Lauri Porra Bass Guitar

2008-present Jörg Michael Drums, Timo Kotipelto, Vocals, Jens Johansson, Keyboards Lauri Porra Bass Guitar

Discography

Studio albums

Live albums

DVDs

Compilations

Singles

Music videos

References

  1. ^ Stratovarius rebuttal
  2. ^ Tolkki final statement

External links

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