The Finnish STRATOVARIUS have returned; this time with the release of a live CD/DVD which at the same time is a farewell to the drummer Jörg Michael, as this was one of the last times he sat behind the drums. Some will see this release as sentimental while others, more cynical, will not fail to underline the capitalization on the behalf of the band for promotional reasons, and one of the crucial and certain points here is that the departure will bring some changes to the sound of the band and the release is like a mark to judge the before and after.
And so far, so good. ‘Live In Tampere’ is a brilliant synopsis of the major “hits” of STRATOVARIUS throughout their rich career. And of course the necessary solos are there as well so that the listeners/ viewers have a glimpse of the band’s musicianship. When it comes to releases like this, where the songs are very well known by the band’s fans, the focus lays mainly on the quality of the sound production. On that front, the band, though it managed to stabilize the acoustic levels between their sound and the reactions of the audience, put in a little bit more of the “raw” elements. I guess in order to offer a more “authentic” feeling of the concert - and/ or to reduce the cost of the recording. That doesn’t mean of course that here we’re dealing with the quality of a bootleg. Au contraire. But a cleaner recording might have boosted songs like ‘Burn’.
Despite this minor criticism, the truth is that STRATOVARIUS have delivered a splendid live album, where tons of Power Metal is thrown left and right, and towards a really warm audience. I suspect it was a great gig and if you’re a fan you’re going to love being transported there at least in spirit of listening.
01. Intro 00:59
02. Under Flaming Skies 04:10
03. I Walk To My Own Song 04:42
04. Speed Of Light 04:26
05. Kiss Of Judas 06:10
06. Deep Unknown 04:55
07. Guitar Solo 01:47
08. Eagleheart 04:11
09. Paradise 05:34
10. Visions 10:14
11. Bass Solo 04:30
12. Coming Home 06:04
13. Legions Of The Twillight 06:05
14. Darkest Hours 05:16
15. Jörg Michael’s Speech 01:32
16. Burn 06:06
17. Behind Blue Eyes 04:36
18. Winter Skies 05:16
19. Keyboard Solo 01:16
20. Black Diamond (incl. drum solo) 08:13
21. Father Time 05:50
22. Hunting High And Low 10:25
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Stratovarius – Under Flaming Winter Skies – Live In Tampere (2012)
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