Survive
Stratovarius is one of those bands who managed to steadily build a strong musical legacy, garnering a cult following, record after record. The group’s most recent studio work, “Survive”, solidifies their reputation and their take on the metal genre as one of the most inventive and solid acts in the game today. It’s been seven years since the band’s previous work, but the musicians haven’t been just sitting around. The songs on this record show a band at their peak, with some of their edgiest riffs to date and some incredibly tight arrangements. The Finnish combo is willing to nod at the past, as shown on songs such as “Glory Days.”
However, they also want to highlight that the band is not resting on its laurels, and it constantly seeks to evolve its formula, while staying true to its roots. While baroque and neoclassical elements are still a core part of the band’s sound, they seem to be leaning more towards rock and metal aesthetics on this one. It’s almost as if the band wanted people to really head-bang and go crazy to the relentless rhythm of most of the songs! On this new record, the band decided to revisit their approach somewhat, making it perhaps a little rounder around the edges. Still, the Finns did not lose the impact that a power metal band should always bring to the table. In fact, all the songs on “Survive” are pretty much guaranteed to be heavy hitters in a live setting, where the no-frills, all-out approach of the arrangements will definitely make them stand out. After all, the album itself, as shown by its artwork cover and title, could very well be a reference to surviving in a post-pandemic reality that’s becoming increasingly challenging for people; and a planet that’s been increasingly abused and mistreated by greedy people and corporation. Is this a spooky premonition of things to come? Can life resurrect from the rubble and waste of civilization?
Find out more about Stratovarius, and check out “Survive” on your favorite streaming platforms. -Georgina Strilakos