When I think of Power Metal, I think of Germany, Sweden and Finland. To be STRATOVARIUS is to be a flagbearer for your countrymen's metalheads and having one of the richest, noteworthy and turbulent histories in a Power Metal band (yes, verging on Kiske-tier), and to have them still standing, is a testament and defining factor. "Visions" was considered to be their "Black" album, their "Rust In Peace", their "Reign In Blood"; being released in the 90s, the band have come a very long way, stylistically. One such stylistic upheaval (or upset, for some people) was the departure of Timo Tolkki following the release of the self-titled album. It was then, that STRATOVARIUS was clinically dead... For a time. Then came o' ephemeral "Polaris", cited as the album that 'saved' STRATOVARIUS, because they did what any big-balled-bulwark of metal would and power on.

Dropped off along the way were "Elysium" and "Nemesis" in 2011 and 2013, respectively, between which, long-time drummer and fan-favourite Jörg Michael departed. Ever since "Elysium" I was weary of the proggier approach that the band was taking; come "Nemesis" I wasn't so surprised to see that flourishing into an album that was darker and heavier. A far cry from the memorably-melodic and soaring majesty of "Visions", but an important and figurehead album nonetheless. 2015 sees the release of "Eternal", second album with new drummer Rolf Pilve (present behind the kit on "Nemesis"), and STRATOVARIUS have done Finland proud.

I felt the need to include a short history lesson, because of just why I feel that "Eternal", along with "Polaris", will be one of the band's two most important albums since "Visions". Fans were under the impression that the "Visions" era of the band's sound died with the old line-up; they struck a glancing blow on the head of the nail.  But with the first track of "Eternal", also the new music video, titled "My Eternal Dream" brought back wave after wave of nostalgia. I was once again hearing pre-"Elements" STRATOVARIUS. Glorious, fist-pumping, 90's style Power Metal synths were ablaze, and... There really isn't much else I can say, other than describing this track as the album's penultimate Power Metal number; true Power Metal in the vein of STRATOVARIUS of old.

What about Timo's voice, you may ask? The man himself cited severe bacterial infection as intermittent, extreme vocal impairment over the last few years. What he did was beat the bastard, and take singing lessons. Closing towards 25 years as a metal singer, and here he is, a testament to his own perseverance and disdain for complacency. The result: the magnificent highs during the chorus on the aforementioned, the power on "Shine In The Dark" and the massive range on "Man In The Mirror"; without a doubt, the best he has sounded since "Visions".

As much as it may seem like I am stressing it, the album is NOT a carbon-copy of "Visions". The new STRATOVARIUS is here to stay. We have a number in "Feeding The Fire" that harkens back strongly to the pumping, Modern vibes on "Polaris" and the pummeling, almost traditional Heavy Metal (not-withstanding the return of the gloriously-cheesy synths) closing track "Lost Saga". The first single released, "Shine In The Dark", is a catchy and accessible piece that, while it possesses terrific vocal deliveries and the uplifting vibe that the band is known for was present, doesn't cut across as much a convincing song in the lyric department, as the rest. I could say it's perfect for drawing in new fans, used to the seemingly more apparent riff, groove and hook-laden brand of modern Power Metal.. But let's face it; every new STRATOVARIUS fan has to start with "Visions". I did, you probably did too.

When all is said/sung/wailed and done, "Eternal" comes across as more rose-tintedly nostalgic than "Nemesis", more convincing than "Elysium" and more consistent than "Polaris". While "Polaris" might be the band's most important release since "Visions" because of what represented for the band's would-be legacy in such well-executed fashion, I like to think that "Eternal" is the overall-best album the band have put out since the 90's.