Stratovarius: Under Flaming Winter Skies - Live In Tampere (Blu-ray)

Yes finally another good live metal Blu Ray release(also available on DVD and 2CD) this time from Stratovarius, the influential Finnish metal band founded in 1984 who continue to move forward despite many hurdles. Under Flaming Winter Skies -Live In Tampere also serves as a farewell for drumming powerhouse Jorg Michael, leaving only two long term members who are vocalist Timo Kotipleto and the much admired Swedish keyboardist Jens Johannson. Interesting to note that no original members have been in the group for quite some time now which certainly isn't the norm.

Under Flaming Winter Skies - Live In Tampere gives a good coverage of Stratovarius' career with quite a long list of tracks both old and new, sure to please the groups many fans with classics like "Black Diamond" plus Stratovarius perform a couple of cover songs, "Burn" and "Behind Blue Eyes". These covers are capably performed but do take something away from this live release as there are many other great Stratovarius songs missing from here like "We Hold The Key" and "Eternity" that could have been performed instead. After so many years they do have the luxury of quite an extensive back catalogue to choose from.

Bonus material includes an insightful documentary on the band and it ups and downs, plus a 5.1 mix of "Elysium" the epic title track from their 2011 CD only on the Blu Ray version. The picture quality is great and the sound does the band's music justice in this live setting, some changes in the Stratovarius ranks hasn't been a problem as this performance shows how talented this band still remains. Adding some younger players with guitarist Matias Kupiainen and bass player Lauria Porra who both get solo spots on this release and don't disappoint has put Stratovarius in a great position moving forwards. They are on fire and still have much to give.

Under Flaming Winter Skies - Live In Tampere is an essential purchase for fans of Stratovarius.

Track list
01. Intro
02. Under Flaming Skies
03. I Walk To My Own Song
04. Speed Of Light
05. Kiss Of Judas
06. Deep Unknown
07. Guitar Solo
08. Eagleheart
09. Paradise
10. Visions
11. Bass Solo
12. Coming Home
13. Legions Of The Twillight
14. Darkest Hours
15. Jörg Speech
16. Burn
17. Behind Blue Eyes
18. Winter Skies
19. Keyboard Solo
20. Black Diamond
21. Father Time
22. Hunting High And Low

BONUS:
DOCUMENTARY: Rewinding from the past to 2012
5.1 mix of -Elysium (taken from the album Elysium) - only on Blu-Ray

Added: August 3rd 2012
Reviewer: Scott Jessup
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 2465
Language: english

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