Symfonia: In Paradisum
Yikes! Just when you think former Stratovarius guitarist Timo Tolkki must surely have exhausted his well of anthemic power metal riffs and melodies, he actually manages to kick things up a notch (at least in comparison to his recent work). Of course, the presence of former Angra vocalist Andre Matos is a large part of what makes this possible on the likes of 'Santiago' and lead track 'Fields of Avalon.' Of course, little here will surprise either fans or detractors, but you've got to commend Tolkki for the ambitious nature of his work, even if the impressive heights scaled here are nothing he hasn't reached before.