Stratovarius was founded in Finland in 1984 from former members of the band Black Water. They went through a number of personnel and musical changes before the band found its own voice. In 1984, the name was changed to Stratovarius (a portmanteau of Stratocaster and Stradivarius), an idea of Stråhlman's. By 1984, Timo Tolkki entered the band, replacing Stråhlman in the guitar. He took up the vocal duties as well. Tolkki became the driving force and mastermind of the band assuming almost complete control of the song writing. He brought along not only strong rock influences but also a neo-classical tinge. The band released a demo to various record companies by 1987, finally being picked up by CBS Finland. In 1989, their debut album Fright Night was released followed by two singles.
After being dropped by CBS the band went through several member changes but they managed to release on another label and they also toured a bit. In 1994 they released their third album, Dreamspace, featuring new bass player Jari Kainulainen, (who joined the band when 70% of the new material was already recorded) which was a great success. Tolkki decided to stop singing for the band and they hired a new full-time singer, Timo Kotipelto. The release of Fourth Dimension in 1995 was a great success, but internal differences in the band particularly about the style the band was going for, prompted the departure of long-time drummer Tuomo Lassila and keyboardist Antti Ikonen. Two new non-Finnish members were recruited: Swedish keyboardist Jens Johansson of Yngwie Malmsteen fame; and German drummer Jörg Michael. With the fifth release Episode, Stratovarius had finally found its sound and had a strong, diverse line-up. Episode was a grand project featuring a large choir and a string orchestra. It spawned some of the all-time greatest Stratovarius hits, such as "Father Time" and "Will The Sun Rise".
This line-up released three hugely successful albums over the years: Visions in 1997, Destiny in 1998, and Infinite in 2000. With every album their fame and fan-base expanded and they started gaining a stronger following outside the Nordic countries particularly in Japan.
In 2003 the band released its most epic project yet, the two album suite named Elements. With these albums they reached a peak in their progressive and symphonic style of power-metal. The first album, Elements pt. 1, was released in early 2003 followed by a world tour. Elements pt. 1 was naturally followed by Elements pt. 2, also released on Nuclear Blast records in the same year with the hit single "I Walk To My Own Song".
In late 2003 the band broke up with Timo Kotipelto and Jörg Michael leaving after a very vaguely explained conflict. Tolkki hired a new singer, Katriina ''Miss K'' Wiiala, and Anders Johansson of Hammerfall (Jens's brother) temporarily on drums. Tolkki's behaviour rapidly began to become extremely strange. He published a long news article on the band's website, detailing how he had converted to Kabbalah after reading Madonna's autobiography and being contacted by Jesus himself. He wrote extensively on the principles of Kabbalah but according to some Jewish forum members, this has nothing to do with any actually practised form of it. The webmaster removed the news article from the site. Then Tolkki even stabbed himself in the shoulder first claiming that a crazy Spanish fan had done it because of band had broken up. Tolkki also phoned Anders Johansson, speaking nonsense about Adolf Hitler – Anders freaked out and left the band. Nobody really understood the situation and fans were worried about Timo's mental condition. In April 2004 he was hospitalised with chronic depression and a nervous breakdown and, after being released from the mental hospital, negotiations and attempts at reconciliation with the rest of the band began. The rest of 2004 was virtually complete silence from the band.
In January 2005 an announcement was released that Stratovarius had reunited with the old line-up. Tolkki seemed to have recovered from his strange illness. In June 2005 Timo Tolkki announced that the band's bassist, Jari Kainulainen, had left the band due to personal reasons. He was later replaced by Lauri Porra.
Stratovarius then released the self-titled album Stratovarius in September 2005 featuring the popular single "Maniac Dance". During this time Stratovarius began a world tour starting in Argentina. It also included a North American leg where they toured the United States and Canada for the first time in the band's history. They played at such events as Atlanta's "Prog Power", and in well-known venues such as "B.B. King's House Of Blues" in New York and Philadelphia's "Trocadero Theatre". The tour also included some European and Japanese cities.
On April 2 2008 Timo Tolkki announced on his official website that the band has officially stopped due to various issues between the band members.
Timo Tolkki has formed a new band, Revolution Renaissance. He released his first album on june 6, 2008 and it featured guest appearences by Michael Kiske (ex-Helloween) and Tobias Sammet (Edguy, Avantasia)
The band has since made an announcement on the Stratovarius website stating that the band will continue without Timo Tolkki.
After the announcement, the band began to search for a new guitar player, making the announcement on the band's official forum and in soundi magazine that Matias Kupiainen would replace Timo Tolkki and that 15 songs had already been demoed for the new album.
On May 13 2009 Stratovarius released their 12th studio album, Polaris, now with the new members Lauri Porra and Matias Kupiainen playing bass and guitar respectively.
Early 2011 saw the release of their new album, Elysium, containing the songs that were written during the Polaris tour. Also during 2012 saw the departure of long-time drummer Jörg Michael for personal reasons and his replacement Rolf Pilve.
2013 saw the release of their newest album "Nemesis".
Studio albums:
- Fright Night (1989)
- Twilight Time (1992)
- Dreamspace (1994)
- Fourth Dimension (1995)
- Episode (1996)
- Visions (1997)
- Destiny (1998)
- Infinite (2000)
- Intermission (2001)
- Elements, Pt. 1 (2003)
- Elements, Pt. 2 (2003)
- Stratovarius (2005)
- Polaris (2009)
- Elysium (2011)
- Nemesis (2013)
Giants
Stratovarius Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the morning
Because you're never gonna fly
So insignificant, waiting for daybreak
With a heartache
Under the black and evil sky
And nobody cares
But did you think for a moment that you are so rare?
We are the hope of a world in despair
We stand on the shoulders of giants
And we will carry this power to the skies
We stand on the shoulders of giants
And take a look inside of you
Then you'll see your power too
Look at your life and reflect on the magic
That you're given
From many kin you never met
Life is unfair
And nobody cares
But did you think for a moment that you are so rare?
We are the hope of a world in despair
We stand on the shoulders of giants
And we will carry this power to the skies
We stand on the shoulders of giants
And take a look inside of you
Then you'll see your power too
(We are the glory! We have the power!)
(We are the joy of a world without care!)
(We are the glory! We have the power!)
(We are the hope of a world in despair!)
Did you think for a moment that you are so rare?
We stand on the shoulders of giants
And we will carry this power to the skies
We stand on the shoulders of giants
And take a look inside of you
Then you'll see your power too
Your power too
The lyrics of "Giants" by Stratovarius explore the theme of overcoming adversity and finding inner strength. The song begins by addressing the feeling of being overwhelmed by sorrow, comparing it to drowning. The line "Because you're never gonna fly" suggests a sense of hopelessness and a belief that one will never be able to rise above their problems.
The song acknowledges the unfairness of life and the lack of concern from others. However, it challenges the listener to consider their own uniqueness and the potential they possess. The lyrics state, "But did you think for a moment that you are so rare?" This line encourages introspection and the realization that each individual has a special power within them.
The chorus emphasizes the idea of standing on the shoulders of giants, symbolizing the influence and inspiration the listener can draw from those who have come before them. It highlights the collective strength of humanity and the responsibility to carry that power forward. The line "And take a look inside of you, then you'll see your power too" serves as a call to self-discovery and understanding one's own capabilities.
Overall, "Giants" inspires listeners to recognize their own strength and resilience, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and the potential to make a positive impact on the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Haven't you ever been drowning in sorrow?
Have you ever experienced overwhelming sadness?
In the morning
At the start of each day
Because you're never gonna fly
Because you don't believe in your ability to succeed
So insignificant, waiting for daybreak
Feeling small and unnoticed, waiting for a new beginning
With a heartache
With a deep emotional pain
Under the black and evil sky
In a world full of darkness and negativity
Life is unfair
The world operates in an unjust way
And nobody cares
And no one shows concern or empathy
But did you think for a moment that you are so rare?
But have you considered that you possess exceptional qualities?
We are the hope of a world in despair
We represent the possibility of a better future
We stand on the shoulders of giants
We are inspired and influenced by those who came before us
And we will carry this power to the skies
And we will harness this strength and reach for great heights
And take a look inside of you
And examine your own inner self
Then you'll see your power too
Then you'll realize your own potential
Look at your life and reflect on the magic
Consider your own existence and contemplate the wonders within it
That you're given
That you have been granted
From many kin you never met
From countless relatives you have never encountered
(We are the glory! We have the power!)
(We are the embodiment of greatness! We possess the ability to make a difference!)
(We are the joy of a world without care!)
(We bring happiness to a world free from worry!)
Did you think for a moment that you are so rare?
Have you ever considered your own unique qualities?
Your power too
Your own strength and capabilities
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jens Johansson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Oslam Phoenix
Whenever somebody says Stratovarius is dead, I remember this song exists
HowThiccExactly
Strato is never dead. You can always listen to old songs from them and of course band that has been around almost 40 years is gonna be dead someday but the music still lives till the end of this world.
Sebastijan667
🎵 We stand on the shoulders of giants 🎶🤘
Freawulf
One of the best ever Strato songs IMHO! Jens is a pure and unadulterated musical genius. Should have been part of the regular album rather than a bonus song in the first place...
JF Boutin
Pure masterpiece, incredibly left out of a great album (Eternal), as it was before with kill it with fire (Nemesis)... I don't understand how they - the band and co. - deceided to pass by these sublime titles. Jens is such a skilled craftsman! What a band, anyway!
HowThiccExactly
@Oslam Phoenix eternal is still my favorite album s
Oslam Phoenix
Seriously, I'd say Eternal is one of the best modern Stratovarius if only this song would've been included in the standard version
Lozmetal
sometimes you find the bonus tracks are great, but they are for markets for Japan to entice them to buy the album, as if they are special. the songs should be on every version. Period
Freawulf
My thoughts exactly! How can a gem of a song such as this be left out of the regular worldwide release? It's really absurd, as it's objectively an amazing song in each and every aspect...
DOMMINVS INFERNALIS
Sonoridade do caralho, muito bom