STRATOVARIUS Releases Video For “Halcyon Days” European Tour Underway

Melodic metal legends STRATOVARIUS are pleased to unleash their “Halcyon Days” video from the band’s latest full-length, Nemesis. Hailed by the media as, “the best STRATOVARIUS album since many, many years,” by Metal Hammer Germany, “a collection of the band’s greatest hits that you never heard until now,” be Metal Underground (US) and, “the strongest STRATOVARIUS album since the beginning of the century,” by KaaosZine in Finland,STRATOVARIUS lives up to their reputation as one of the leading names of the metal genre once again exceeding fans’ and critics’ expectations and charting in ten countries thus far: Finland: # 3, Czech Republic # 12, Switzerland # 30, Spain # 32, Germany # 41, France: # 56, Sweden # 56, Austria: # 62, Belgium # 103 and Canada: # 126.

Coinciding with the band’s European tour, set to commence in Helsinki, Finland tonight [see itinerary here], the band today proudly reveals the video for their second single. The footage for “Halcyon Days” was shot in Lithuania by Pekka Hara, and perfectly captures the song’s theme of finding one’s peace of mind.

The band further notes: “It was a really nice experience working with Pekka and his team, and Lithuania was a pleasant surprise, very friendly people there and everything worked out great. This video sets the mood of the song perfectly. And the fact is: A band is nothing without the fans."

Prior to the video shoot, the band had launched a fan competition asking their supporters to send a picture of their most prized STRATOVARIUS item. Over 100 items were sent, of which the band handpicked the 10 most original objects, which are now featured in the video. Over the course of the next weeks, STRATOVARIUS will also launch a special fan item version of the video on their official Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/stratovarius.

Below can be seen the video for Halcyon Days.

Nemesis was produced and mixed by guitarist Matias Kupiainen, mastered by Mika Jussila (Finnvox Studios) and released in North America via earMUSIC in conjunction with Armoury Records on February 26, 2013.

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STRATOVARIUS: Nemesis Album Samples Posted Record to See North American Release Next Tuesday!

In celebration of the upcoming release of their new full-length, Nemesis,  melodic metal legends STRATOVARIUS are offering up sound/video snippets of its e;even tracks. Produced and mixed by guitarist Matias Kupiainen and mastered by Mika Jussila (Finnvox Studios), Nemesis will be released in North America via earMUSIC in conjunction with Armoury Records next Tuesday, February 26, 2013.

From the signature power of “Abandon,” and the aggressively energetic “Stand My Ground,” to the folkish elements of “Out Of The Fog,” and the title track “Nemesis,” which boasts medieval melodies and double bass drumming,Nemesis delivers new elements fused with the traditional melodic power metal for which STRATOVARIUS is known. In an early review of the record, Metal Underground dubs Nemesis, “one of the finest releases in the band's history,” while Metal Reviews gushes, “… Nemesis is pure epic! It is grandiose, majestic, melodic yet heavy when it needs to be. It's an unexpected return to form for STRATOVARIUS. It's what power metal should sound like, period! It is without the shadow of a doubt STRATOVARIUS' best album in ages… Album of the year award? You betchya! If you are a fan of this band, you can't afford to miss this incredible album.” Metalholic, in a perfect 10/10 rating, notes, “Nemesis has a lot of the traditional STRATOVARIUS power metal edge, but they’ve managed to evolve and develop their sound to a much more rounded, matured, and polished heavy metal… This album hit the very depths of my core, my will, my heart, and my soul… This is more than music, it’s a masterpiece, and should go down in the book of heavy metal as one of the best heavy metal albums of all time,” while About.com adds, “Nemesis finds the band recapturing the magic of their glory days. Most importantly, the songwriting is excellent as the band seems determined to capture memorable songs that sit alongside the best of their catalog.”

Hear for yourself at THIS LOCATION.

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STRATOVARIUS: New Track Streaming “Halcyon Days” NYC Listening Party + Fan-Participation Video Announced

Long-running metal web portal Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles today offers up STRATOVARIUS’ “Halcyon Days”for your streaming enjoyment. The tune comes off the melodic metal legends’ forthcoming offering, Nemesis. Produced and mixed by guitarist Matias Kupiainen and mastered by Mika Jussila (Finnvox Studios), the 11-track Nemesis will be released in North America via Armoury Records on February 26, 2013. Notes vocalist Timo Kotipelto ofNemesis: “It has a darker more modern sound. We, as a band, have gone through a lot and have matured as songwriters. We have worked our asses off to make this and we hope the fans will like it.”

Among Kotipelto’s favorite songs on the record, “Halcyon Days,” is about finding peace in the increasingly hectic landscape of daily life. Check it out at THIS LOCATION.

In celebration of its release, Manhattan’s Idle Hands Bar will be hosting a special Nemesis listening party on the evening of January 21 where both Kotipelto and keyboardist Jens Johansson will be in attendance.

STRATOVARIUS NYC Nemesis Listening Party:

When: Monday January 21, 2013

Where: Idle Hands Bar, 25 Ave B, NYC

Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm

More Info: http://www.idlehandsbar.com

Additionally, STRATOVARIUS are preparing to shoot a new video and are inviting fans to join in its creation. Though the track has not yet been decided, STRATOVARIUS heads are encouraged to send a picture of their most prized STRATOVARIUS collector’s item to THIS ADDRESS by January 23! The band will then select the most original and fun fan items to be featured in their new video. Kotipelto further elaborates at THIS LOCATION.

Nemesis Track Listing:

1. Abandon
2. Unbreakable
3. Stand My Ground

4. Halcyon Days

5. Fantasy

6. Out Of The Fog

7. Castles In The Air

8. Dragons

9. One Must Fall

10. If The Story Is Over

11. Nemesis

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STRATOVARIUS: Nemesis Cover Art Unveiled; “Unbreakable” Audio Sample Available

Today melodic metal unit, STRATOVARIUS, reveals the cover artwork and final track listing of their forthcoming new studio offering, Nemesis. Produced and mixed by guitarist Matias Kupiainen and mastered by Mika Jussila (Finnvox Studios), the 11-track Nemesis will be released in North America via Armoury Records on February 26, 2013.

Comments Kupiainen of Nemesis: "I have more or less lived in the studio for four months, obsessing over every detail. I feel very relieved that we are done and I am very happy with the material and the sound."

Adds vocalist Timo Kotipelto: "It has a darker more modern sound. We, as a band, have gone through a lot and have matured as songwriters. Making the album this time was easier because we gave it as much time as it needed. We have worked our asses off to make this and we hope the fans will like it."

From the signature power of "Abandon," and the aggressively energetic "Stand My Ground," to the folkish elements of "Out Of The Fog," and the title track "Nemesis," which boasts medieval melodies and double bass drumming,Nemesis offers up new elements fused with the traditional melodic power metal for which STRATOVARIUS is known.

Fans can check out a sample of track two, “Unbreakable,” as well as the Nemesis cover at THIS LOCATION.

Notes Kupiainen of the tune: “’Unbreakable’ is a very important song to me and the lyrics have a lot of personal meaning. Sometimes you can snap out of you day to day fog and see what is important. And when you are in that special moments, when you have that special feeling, you are invincible, unbreakable; you should really stop and enjoy the feeling. Even if the whole world falls apart tomorrow.”

Nemesis Track Listing:

1. Abandon
2. Unbreakable
3. Stand My Ground

4. Halcyon Days

5. Fantasy

6. Out Of The Fog

7. Castles In The Air

8. Dragons

9. One Must Fall

10. If The Story Is Over

11. Nemesis

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STRATOVARIUS To Unleash Under Flaming Winter Skies - Live In Tampere 2-CD/DVD In North America

The news of drummer Jörg Michael's departure from the Finnish melodic metal brigade STRATOVARIUS in September 2011 was a shock for all of the band's fans. To say goodbye to a friend, hero and member who characterizedSTRATOVARIUS' sound for over a decade, the group embarked on a five-show farewell tour of Finland in November of last year. Before returning with a brand new studio album in 2013, STRATOVARIUS will release a two-hour 2-CD/DVD set filmed and recorded in Tampere, Finland on November 19, 2011. This is one of the very last shows the band played with Michael.

Set for North American release on August 28, 2012 via Eagle Rock imprint Armoury Records, Under Flaming Winter Skies - Live In Tampere, which entered the Music DVD chart in Finland at position No. 1 upon its first week of release overseas, marks the end of an era as well as a new beginning. Hits and classics like "Under Flaming Skies", "Speed Of Light" and "Hunting High And Low" as well as exclusive bonus material (30-minute documentary about the band's history, exclusive interviews with each member as well as a special comment from Jörg Michael regarding reasons for his departure) makes it a must-have for every fan and a real collector's item not to be missed.

Check out below the DVD trailer as well as a “Black Diamond” performance clip.

Under Flaming Winter Skies - Live In Tampere Track Listing: 

CD 1 

01. Under Flaming Skies

02. I Walk To My Own Song 

03. Speed Of Light

04. Kiss Of Judas

05. Deep Unknown

06. guitar solo

07. Eagleheart

08. Paradise

09. Visions

10. bass solo

11. Coming Home

CD 2 

01. Legions Of The Twilight 

02. Darkest Hours 

03. Burn 

04. Behind Blue Eyes 

05. Winter Skies 

06. keyboard solo 

07. Black Diamond 

08. Father Time 

09. Hunting High And Low 

DVD  Track Listing: 

01. Intro 

02. Under Flaming Skies 

03. I Walk To My Own Song 

04. Speed Of Light 

05. Kiss Of Judas 

06. Deep Unknown 

07. guitar solo 

08. Eagleheart 

09. Paradise 

10. Visions 

11. bass solo 

12. Coming Home 

13. Legions Of The Twillight 

14. Darkest Hours 

15. Jörg Speech 

16. Burn 

17. Behind Blue Eyes 

18. Winter Skies 

19. keyboard solo 

20. Black Diamond 

21. Father Time 

22. Hunting High And Low

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STRATOVARIUS - New Record Out Today

Buy It Now From Loudtrax.com For $6.66!

Today legendary Finnish melodic metal troupe STRATOVARIUS unleashed their thirteenth studio album, Elysium, to North American fans. Recorded at 5-By-5 studios in Pitäjänmäki, Helsinki, Finland, the nine-track full-length will is available via  Armoury Records and features the gorgeous cover art of Gyula Havancsák.

In an advance review, About.com called Elysium "one of STRATOVARIUS' strongest CDs in years." Noted SMN News: "The record bristles with gorgeous keyboard landscapes, fiery solos, and the most glorious choruses this side of Gamma Ray," while Blistering added: "STRATOVARIUS haven’t sounded this focused and on-point since they seemed poised to overtake the melodic metal world over a decade ago."

In conjunction with the record's release, Loudtrax.com is currently selling Elysium for the low price of $6.66. For more info, point your browser HERE.

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STRATOVARIUS - Jörg Michael Returns Timo Kotipelto Forced To Cancel Shows

In an official message from STRATOVARIUS: "Some good news and some bad news. The good news is that we're back on the road with Helloween. And Jörg Michael is back in his drum chair after his brush with death.

The bad news is that Timo Kotipelto caught some sort of bacterial infection. We suspect it was something from the backstage food in December, but we don't know. Two of the other people on the tour had the same thing: A very bad dysentery-like stomach infection with vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration, also eventually had to go to hospital, etc.

Timo's infection is stubborn and in addition to ruining his Christmas break, it has dried out his vocal cords. In his own words, he can't sing a note at the moment. We are currently in France and so far we had to cancel playing in Paris and Lyon.

We are of course very sorry about this, and nobody is more heartbroken or frustrated than Timo himself. Apart from heeding the advice from doctors we are in touch with, the only thing we can do at the moment is to hope Timo gets better. We will ride the 1000 km to Bilbao tonight and hopefully we will all get some sleep on the nice smooth French motorways.

Check out  a short video about the Paris cancellation and some words from Jörg HERE.

The legendary Finnish melodic metal troupe are gearing up to unleash their thirteenth studio album,Elysium, in North America next week. Recorded at 5-By-5 studios in Pitäjänmäki, Helsinki, Finland, the nine-track full-length will be released on January 18, 2011 through Armoury Records and features cover art by Gyula Havancsák. 

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STRATOVARIUS - A New Year Message From Jörg Michael

Band To Issue New Studio Record Later This Month


In an official message from STRATOVARIUS drummer Jörg Michael, who was diagnosed this past fall with a form of thyroid cancer :

"Dear All, 

I hope this mail finds everybody well. The first leg of the European tour with Helloween is over -- time  to have a few words with you. First, let's not forget the brilliant emergency rescue action and playing of Alex [Landenburg]. Thanks again for all what you did for the fans, the band and also for me. Surely I hate the idea of somebody sitting on 'my chair' but this special action needed some special treatment and I am proud and happy that it was you, Alex. Thanks again.

I was overwhelmed by all the wishes, tons of emails and text messages I received from all over the world wishing me a speedy recovery. Thank you so much for supporting me. It made me feel very strong fighting these bastards inside of me.

I have some good news to tell you and believe me -  I really enjoy to tell the world: The surgery was done over six weeks ago and the first therapy is done as well. All looks good so far and as [keyboardist] Jens [Johansson] told me before: 'Do not worry, Jörg. What should survive in your body after all that you did to him!' Finally, he was right. There are only small bits and bobs left - I will fight those with another therapy [session] in about four months time.I think I've been very lucky that it was discovered by one of my friends in a very early state. Very good that my friend decided to become a doctor; he was very lousy when he tried playing the guitar.

I'm currently practicing the drums to be ready and kicking again when the tour continues in the new year. I will be back. Thanks again for everything! See you in Paris and everywhere else......

Best,  Jörg Michael"

Finnish melodic metal troupe STRATOVARIUS are readying to unleash their thirteenth studio album, Elysium, later this month. Recorded at 5-By-5 studios in Pitäjänmäki, Helsinki, Finland, the nine-track full-length will be released in the US and Canada January 18, 2011 through Armoury Records and features cover art by Gyula Havancsák. 

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Stratovarius - Darkest Hours (New Single 2010)

Darkest Hours lyrics

DARKEST HOURS

These frantic memories
They bring me down, tormenting peace
The darkness drowns me
I'm restless without sleep
When day breaks, I'm still awake,
I recall my mistakes

I'll be never alone, never again, never alone,
I'll be never alone, never again, never alone...

When all my hope is gone,
I'm waiting for the dawn
I raise my head and find my own way out of the dark
I've left my past behind
I'm reaching for the light
I'm not afraid to live my life - I'll take what is
mine.

I'll make my way through the darkest hours of my days!

Those frozen memories
Laid out for me, all I can see
The night surrounds me
Destroying harmony
What lies beneath, demising me?
I've lost my purity

I'll be never alone, never again, never alone,
I'll be never alone, never again, never alone...

When all my hope is gone,
I'm waiting for the dawn
I raise my head and find my own way out of the dark
I've left my past behind
I'm reaching for the light
I'm not afraid to live my life - I'll take what is
mine.

I'll make my way through the darkest hours of my days!

[Solo]

When all my hope is gone,
I'm waiting for the dawn
I raise my head and find my own way out of the dark
I've left my past behind
I'm reaching for the light
I'm not afraid to live my life - I'll take what is
mine.

When all my hope is gone,
I'm waiting for the dawn
I raise my head and find my own way out of the dark
I leave my past behind
I'm reaching for the light
I'm not afraid to live my life - I'll take what is
mine.

I'll make my way through the darkest hours of my days!

500.000 rock & metal videos on ROCKTUBE and METALHEAD

01 – stratovarius – darkest hours 04:11
02 – stratovarius – infernal maze 05:33
03 – stratovarius – darkest hours (demo) 04:34
04 – stratovarius – against the wind (live) 04:01
05 – stratovarius – black diamond (live) 07:29

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STRATOVARIUS Jörg has cancer

An Urgent Note From STRATOVARIUS' Jens Johansson

Dear STRATOVARIUS fans, I am afraid we have some quite terrible news. News of the worst imaginable kind. It's about our friend and drummer Jörg Michael.

Jörg has cancer.

He recently discovered a lump on his neck, went to the doctor, they decided to operate and found what they call 'a malignant thyroid neoplasm.' They took out his whole thyroid just to have the best chance to get everything out. He will also have to undergo a regimen of radiotherapy. He is a fighter. We have all talked to him and it's clear that this guy is not down for the count. He and his team of German doctors are pissed off and ready to kick ass, and I would not want to be a little cancer cell on these guys' shit list. Believe me. Jörg and his family (and us guys in the band) found this out only last week, after the operation. Naturally we are all going between a lot of emotions, sadness, worry, shock, confusion, even anger.

As for STRATOVARIUS, as you perhaps know there is a long tour coming up with Helloween, and with the surgery and therapy that will now follow there is no way Jörg can do the first part of the tour. For me personally, I at first felt quite hopeless about the tour, because I was so upset about all this news. But Jörg himself has been extremely clear that he does not want the band to cancel a single show because of this. In the end, this is what made at least me feel better about going back to hitting the road next week.

So, we have debated what to do for many days now. Jörg first suggested my brother Anders do this November - December 2010 leg, but it turns out Anders will unfortunately be busy recording some record or other with that little indie cellar band of his called HammerFall [laughs]. After a lot of searching we found a guy that both can do it and didn't have other commitments: Alex Landenburg. He plays well, Jörg says he's a great guy (very important!) and he started learning the set already before we even had decided what to do, which to me shows a lot of dedication. You can Google Alex' name if you are curious.

So it turns out that STRATOVARIUS will do the first leg of the Helloween Seven Sinner tour, just as planned, only without Jörg behind the kit, but with Jörg very much as a motivator to us being there. Not one single date will be canceled or changed. Jörg wants to be back on the road with us again as soon as possible depending on the therapy, but we are not making any promises. That one is up to powers even higher than Jörg Michael and his doctors. We will try to keep you somewhat updated.

Anyway, the most important thing is that they think they got all the bad stuff out and that the end result is that we just fix that sentence I wrote above. We will then say: Jörg had cancer. But he beat it." -- Jens Johansson

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Finnish melodic metal troupe STRATOVARIUS are readying to unleash their thirteenth studio album, Elysium, this winter. Recorded at 5-by-5 studios in Pitäjänmäki, Helsinki, Finland, the nine-track full-length will be released in the US and Canada January 18, 2011 through Armoury Records and features cover art by Gyula Havancsák.

Elysium Track Listing:

1. Darkest Hours

2. Under Flaming Skies

3. Infernal Maze

4. Fairness Justified

5. The Game Never Ends

6. Lifetime In A Moment

7. Move The Mountain

8. Event Horizon

9. Elysium

Elysium will mark the debut of newest addition: 27-year-old Finnish guitarist Matias Kupiainen. Said drummer Jörg Michael of the band's newest recruit: "In Matias we found a new character who fits perfectly with his way of melodic guitar shredding. He is a killer player, a 'wunderkind' from Finland!"

Polaris, STRATOVARIUS' 2009 "come back" offering and first since the departure or guitarist/main composer Timo Tolkki, was reissued as a two-CD digipak earlier this year via Armoury Records. In addition to the original album, the package includes a bonus disc containing 75 minutes of live material recorded during the Polaris tour spanning the band's entire history.

STRATOVARIUS 2010:

Timo Kotipelto - Vocals

Matias Kupiainen - Guitars

Lauri Porra - Bass

Jörg Michael - Drums

Jens Johansson - Keyboards

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