The first Stratovarius release without it's founder Timo Tolkki is finally here. The band has been through it's fair share of turmoil for more than a decade, and now Tolkki has left the band. Right or wrong, I will always judge anything Stratovarius does with their 1997 release "Visions". I have fond memories of that one and to me it will be nearly impossible to replicate the "magical" feel of that it. So of course, "Polaris" falls short. But how does it compare to the rest of their library? It's about what I thought of "Elements", there's a few good songs, but more stuff that simply doesn't grab my attention.

There's a certain "something" missing from the band's sound, could it be the influence of Tolkki? Perhaps, but it might also be that the guys have either run out of ideas, OR are just getting used to new lineup, OR there's been so many copy-cat bands that they just blend into scene more. Maybe it's a combination of all these "elements". The bottom line is that this in an average Power/Prog Metal album. I have enjoyed Kotipelto's solo material more because it's different. "Polaris" isn't overly creative or interesting and it takes no chances whatsoever. Granted, the hardcore fands don't want the band to change or evolve, but to just put out the same album over and over is not doing anything for their legacy.

Maybe all the turmoil has affected the guys, I have no idea. Maybe they should have said "no" to the Stratovarius name and started from scratch. Maybe I'M jaded from all the bullshit that's gone on internally with the band! Whatever the case is, I'm just not very taken with "Polaris", which is dissappointing, I'm a huge fan of the band, but I just can't in good faith say that this is a great release.