Stratovarius rock, they're best described as a melodic metal band from Finland.

Their guitarist Timo Tolkki is pretty darn impressive, pulls off some pretty cool (and fast) solos in an interesting, almost classical style.

The vocalist for their most recent few albums is excellent (although sadly he's been kicked out of the band now the keyboard player is also leaving).

Some excellent tracks are:
- Black Diamond
- Holy Light (instrumental)
- Paradise
- Coming Home
- Visions (Southern Cross)
- Will The Sun Rise
- Speed of Light
- Stratosphere (instrumental)
- Hunting High and Low
- Phoenix
- Destiny
- Eagleheart
- Find Your Own Voice
- No Turning Back

Check them out.

[This message has been edited by DeTRiTiC-iQ (edited February 23, 2004).]

Tis true, they are very good from what I've heard through the walls, although not really my taste, I'm just not a really-fast-guitar-solo kinda guy...

But for people who've never heard of them or haven't heard them a lot, they're a class band and certainly one to check out

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What is this 'real life' you speak of, and where can I download it?

Oh, they're imploding right now... Half the members were fired, and some new, female, vocalist was hired. Who has pictures taken of her with blood pouring out of her mouth.

You guys gotta check out www.stratovarius.com. It's hilarious, in a sick, sad kind of way...

I think Tolkki himself has done the blood picture thing, too, but the pictures aren't working for me...

It's a pity, since "Destiny" is a really good song, too.

Stato kicks *** Anyone new to them should check out Rhapsody and Luca Turilli, Sonata Arctica and especially Blind Guardian.

Dontcha just love FInnland?

if(getThingFlags(source) & 0x8){
  do her}
elseif(getThingFlags(source) & 0x4){
  do other babe}
else{
  do a dude}

I really like the music, and Tolkki's a great guitarist, but he's really been losing it.

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You don't have Season of Change up there.



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You're entering a world of pain.

I have to agree Tolkki has been losing it lately. Timo Kotipelto's vocals are what drew me to Stratovarius. I've yet to buy my copy of Elements Pt.2 but it remains to be seen if anything after it will be any good...