STRATOVARIUS is a band firmly rooted in Power Metal, though they've incorporated Neo-Classical, Progressive, and Symphonic Metal elements over the years. Originally formed in 1985 in Finland, they've undergone numerous lineup changes, but have consistently pit out high quality records, with Survive being their 16^th full-length offering, released September 23, 2022, via JVC Kenwood Victor Entertainment. The album opens with the title track, 'Survive," a heavy-riffed song with killer drum work. The guitar work is also quite exquisite, varying from bombastic to muted and choppy. The keys and bass both add a lot of depth to the song, supporting everything else going on beautifully. This track is more in line with the Power Metal roots of the band with the added keys giving a hint of the Symphonic Metal they've fused in to build their sound up.

"Broken" is another song that starts with straight-forward Power Metal rhythm and guitar work, but the keys are a nit different, playing a larger role in the riff structure. I get a bit of the Neo-Classical from the keys as well, adding a lot of texture to the track. The Symphonic elements that come in really take the Neo-Classical to the next level. Then, the solos, both guitar and keyboard, go on a shredding tear that seals the deal for this song. Choirs open "Frozen In Time." The guitars coming in and matching the vocalizations is a nice touch, transitioning the song to the main rhythm. Timo clean vocals are something to behold. His has a crystal-clear delivery and excellent range from his lows through his belting highs. This song has a great galloping rhythm that stays steady for most of the song, though does have a few interludes to show their ability to turn on a dime.

"Breakaway" is the big, Symphonic track on the record. It drops in a few Progressive Metal twists, giving us a couple of elegant time and tempo changes. This is the track that shifts back and forth from heavy to light and fast to slow. The verses and chorus each have their own feel and sound, working together really well to give different feels to the individual sections of music. The opus on this disc is "Voice Of Thunder." At 11 minutes, it is the longest song. It begins with acoustic guitar and the occasional keyboard tones setting the stage for the next phase. This is the perfect blending of everything STRATOVARIUS is as a band. It has the Power, the Progressive, the Symphonic, the Melodic, and the Neo-Classical Metal. This song has a bit of everything and I love every bit of it!

STRATOVARIUS has stepped up their game and taken their craft to new heights with this record. The sound they've created, their own unique blend of genres, is one that takes so many things I love and puts them all in the same place. As metal continues to expand and change and grow, sometimes you get a special gift like this, one that makes all your inner metal nerds happy at the same time. How cool is that?