AFM
2007
1. Once upon a Time
2. Sleep Well
3. Serenity
4. City of Mysteries
5. King Anti-Midas
6. Angels Will Cry
7. After the Rain
8. Mr. Know-It-All
9. Dreams and Reality
10. Last Defender
Timo Kotipelto returns again on this, his third release as a solo artist and Kotipelto albums have really become a thing for me to look forward to. Mostly I anticipate them because it's nice to hear his voice with good music... a sharp contrast to Stratovarius lately.
There are some reminders of Stratovarius in Kotipelto's solo music as it is melodic power metal with a strong keyboard presence in that distinctly Finnish style. Where his solo work tends to break from Stratovarius is in the somewhat heavier and less prone to speed guitar. The music on this solo effort seems to breathe more but at the same time has more punch. Also, things simply seem less tired without the Stratovarius neo-classical & speed formula and this music is really written, unsurprisingly, with Kotipelto's voice first and foremost in mind. As a whole Serenity just seems more musical and more complete than Stratovarius has been in years. For those familiar with his solo works, this album follows a similar style as the last release but with less of a gothic, 'cold' atmosphere to it. Things as a whole seem a little more upbeat to me and there is one ultra-sapply ballad worth noting. Could've lived without that one honestly but all the other tracks are solid.
In conclusion, Timo Kotipelto surrounds himself with good musicians and shows that he knows how to write a good song that stresses the emotive side of his vocal delivery. Serenity is an album sure to be satisfying to fans of his Stratovarius work and is another strong effort for him as a solo artist. Recommended to fans of flowing, mid-paced keyboard power metal and Stratovarius.
Highlights: Sleep Well, Serenity, Dreams And Reality
Rating - 3.5/5
2. Sleep Well
3. Serenity
4. City of Mysteries
5. King Anti-Midas
6. Angels Will Cry
7. After the Rain
8. Mr. Know-It-All
9. Dreams and Reality
10. Last Defender
Timo Kotipelto returns again on this, his third release as a solo artist and Kotipelto albums have really become a thing for me to look forward to. Mostly I anticipate them because it's nice to hear his voice with good music... a sharp contrast to Stratovarius lately.
There are some reminders of Stratovarius in Kotipelto's solo music as it is melodic power metal with a strong keyboard presence in that distinctly Finnish style. Where his solo work tends to break from Stratovarius is in the somewhat heavier and less prone to speed guitar. The music on this solo effort seems to breathe more but at the same time has more punch. Also, things simply seem less tired without the Stratovarius neo-classical & speed formula and this music is really written, unsurprisingly, with Kotipelto's voice first and foremost in mind. As a whole Serenity just seems more musical and more complete than Stratovarius has been in years. For those familiar with his solo works, this album follows a similar style as the last release but with less of a gothic, 'cold' atmosphere to it. Things as a whole seem a little more upbeat to me and there is one ultra-sapply ballad worth noting. Could've lived without that one honestly but all the other tracks are solid.
In conclusion, Timo Kotipelto surrounds himself with good musicians and shows that he knows how to write a good song that stresses the emotive side of his vocal delivery. Serenity is an album sure to be satisfying to fans of his Stratovarius work and is another strong effort for him as a solo artist. Recommended to fans of flowing, mid-paced keyboard power metal and Stratovarius.
Highlights: Sleep Well, Serenity, Dreams And Reality
Rating - 3.5/5
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