| Revolution Renaisance New Era | Frontiers Records FRCD375 |
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Revolution Renaissance is the oddly names new project for Stratovarius founder and controller Timo Tolkki. Tolkki has had an interesting few years – much of it in turmoil – but this is the new direction for him, coming out of writing session for what was to be a new Stratovarius album. Featured vocalists on the new album include Tobias Sammet (Edguy), Michael Kiske (Helloween & Place Vendome) and Pasi Rantanen (Thunderstone). This is an interesting album and I think fans of melodic metal or European hard rock will find quite a lot to like here. To me this material seems more accessible than some of the Stratovarius material – certainly it is more straight forward and a little more instant. For me, the best part of this album is singer Michael Kiske. After copping some criticism for his past 2 solo releases, Kiske bounces back here with a controlled and perfectly executed performance on 5 tracks. His highlights include the European rocker I Did It My Way which features a sharp vocal that appeals in so many ways; the ballad Angel, which features a trademark soaring vocal and is well placed within the album. Then there is Keep The Flame Alive – a Celtic ballad of sorts that features a very sultry an controlled vocal, followed by Last Night On Earth which is a straight ahead hard rocker with a strong hook and some tasteful guitar soloing. Also appearing Tobias Sammet who rips through the uptempo metallers Heroes and Glorious And Divine. Pasi Rantanen has an interesting raspy timbre that I like a lot and reminds me of Tony Martin (Black Sabbath). We Are Magic is a catchy uptempo hard rocker and Born Upon The Cross is almost perfect Sabbath material.
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