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)
Nemesis
Stratovarius Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The city’s left behind
Those who’ve been blind they will be saved
White stripes on the road they’re guiding my way
Reciting my prayers the road is paved
Through all the years I’ve carried the flame
In the darkest nights as the lightning strikes
As I drive alone
My mission is unknown
Will it be revealed for me
Cause now, I’m calling out for...
Power—streaming through me
I will let out the angel or the beast
This power—will make you see
As the lightning strikes your pain will be released
Free me—that’s what I hear you
Screaming—in misery
Free me—from this pain while
Screaming—kneel before mighty
Power—my power
This power—my power
(solos)
Calling out for...
Power—streaming through me
I will let out the angel or the beast
This power—will make you see
As the lightning strikes your pain will be released
This power—streaming through me
I will let out the angel or the beast
This power—will make you see
As the lightning strikes your pain will be released
Free me—that’s what I hear you
Screaming—in misery
Free me—from this pain while
Screaming—kneel before mighty
Power—my power
This power—my power
Mighty power
This power
My power
My power...
The lyrics of Stratovarius's song "Nemesis" tell the story of a wanderer who is guiding lost and blind souls towards redemption. The singer is driving alone, following the white stripes on the road, reciting his prayers, and carrying the flame of hope for those who walk in the shadows. As he calls out for power, he becomes aware of a force that is streaming through him, and he must choose to let out either his angel or his beast. This power he possesses will make others see, and their pain will be released as the lightning strikes.
The themes in these lyrics suggest a journey of self-discovery and purpose. The singer's mission is still unknown, and he is searching for a purpose beyond himself. His power is both a blessing and a curse, for it could either bring peace to those in need or cause chaos and destruction if unleashed recklessly. The lyrics are about the need for balance between light and dark, and the importance of finding one's true calling in life.
Line by Line Meaning
The night turns to dawn
As the darkness fades, hope rises with the new day.
The city’s left behind
Leaving behind the mundane and materialistic world and heading towards a new beginning.
Those who’ve been blind they will be saved
Offering hope to those who’ve been lost or misguided in their lives.
White stripes on the road they’re guiding my way
Guided by the divine and seeking a righteous path to follow.
Reciting my prayers the road is paved
Seeking the help of a higher power in paving the way towards righteousness.
Through all the years I’ve carried the flame
Continuously keeping the flame of hope and goodness alive through all of life’s struggles.
In the darkest nights as the lightning strikes
Even in the darkest of hours, there is a glimmer of hope and light.
I’m bringing hope to those who walk in the shadows
Offering guidance and hope to those who are lost and are struggling to find their way.
My mission is unknown
Not knowing the path ahead, but having faith and believing in a divine purpose and plan.
Will it be revealed for me
Wishing for clarity in the unknown future, looking for a sign or guidance.
Power—streaming through me
Empowered by a higher force and guided towards a powerful destiny.
I will let out the angel or the beast
Having the potential to unleash either good or evil, depending on personal choices and actions.
As the lightning strikes your pain will be released
Finding peace and comfort in the midst of a storm, realizing that tough times don’t last forever.
Free me—that’s what I hear you
Hearing the voices of those who are suffering and wishing for freedom from their pain and struggles.
Screaming—in misery
Expressing frustration and anguish in the midst of life’s challenges.
Screaming—kneel before mighty
Seeking guidance and support from a higher power in order to overcome life’s challenges.
Mighty power
Acknowledging the greatness and power of a higher deity or force.
This power
Acknowledging the artist's own potential and capabilities.
My power
Recognizing the power that lies within personal strengths and abilities.
Contributed by Owen R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
BRAYAN FABIAN CASTELBLANCO
10 años de esta obra maestra
Ralf Jung
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
H H
This is one of the masterpieces!! Catchy melodies with powerful voices, excellent guitars and keyboards. Thank you!!
Metal Maromba
The Best band of Power metal !! Hail from Brazil 💪🤘
dave picard
thats very great best masterpiece stratovarius nemesis classic album legendary of the world. love great best band favorite stratovarius. thank you guys stratovarius the true heavy power metal forever 🤘🎸
Zsolt Pópity
Brilliant album
ATTILA CSABA BALOGH
Nagyon jó album én is vegighallgattam.
demilung
It's kind of silly that this album is missing from their Youtube Music library, thanks
SCOTT SIGLIN HD
No I totally agree. This album is on their YouTube library now but they are still missing Elements Pts 1&2, Elysium because for some reason they uploaded the demos and not the actual finished songs, and Eternal
Fish Gangsta YTPs
There is such a yearning in so many of these songs