Artist: STRATOVARIUS
Album: POLARIS COLLECTORS EDIT. (CD+7" BOX)

Year: 2009
Media type: CD

Polaris is the twelfth studio album by the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius. It is the band's first album featuring new members, guitarist Matias Kupianen and bassist Lauri Porra, and also the first Stratovarius album not featuring long-time guitarist Timo Tolkki, who left the band in 2008.

"Polaris" was recorded in the fall 2008 at Hastholmen and 5by5 studios in Helsinki, Finland. Mixed by the longtime confidant of the band Mikko Karmila the album became another shining polar star at the Northern sky. Powerful melodies mingle with sophisticated arrangements, strong anthems stand alongside heavy songs. 11 songs full of energy, musicianship, and a positive outlook.

Vocalist Timo Kotipelto explains: "'Polaris' is a positive, powerful album that STRATOVARIUS fans all over the world are certain to take to their hearts."

STRATOVARIUS' latest addition is 25-year-old Finnish guitar phenomenon Matias Kupiainen. Drummer Jorg Michael said, "In Matias we found new character who fits perfectly with his way of melodic guitar shredding. He is a killer player, a 'wunderkind' from Finland!"

TRACKLIST:

01. Deep Unknown
02. Falling Star
03. King Of Nothing
04. Blind
05. Winter Skies
06. Forever Is Today
07. Higher We Go
08. Somehow Precious
09. Emancipation Suite: I Dusk
10. Emancipation Suite: II Dawn
11. When Mountains Fall

LINE-UP:

Timo Kotipelto - Vocals
Matias Kupiainen - Guitars
Lauri Porra - Bass
Jorg Michael - Drums
Jens Johansson - Keyboards