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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best old-school Stratovarius record, January 30, 2005
It took a bit longer than expected, but I finally got my copy of 'Dreamspace' (1994), the third studio record from Finland's metal gods, Stratovarius. I must say that I own 'Visions' as well as this, and I must say, comparing this to 'Visions' is like comparing apples to oranges.
1. There are only four members, just two of which played on anything after 'Fourth Dimension' (1995).
2. Antti Ikonen is more of a backing keyboardist, there are no keyboard solos.
3. The basic sound of the guitar and bass is COMPLETELY different than the more modern Stratovarius. The bass sounds much cleaner (as opposed to a more slapstick sound used on later releases), and the guitar sounds a lot crunchier.
All those differences aside, 'Dreamspace' is a terrific album, and for the time, the production by Timo Tolkki is certainly far from bad. Timo Tolkki is not as good of a singer as Timo Kotipelto, but when listening to this record, I could instantly picture Kotipelto singing a vast majority of the songs from this album. Jari Kainulainen is his usual self, though at the time of this record's release, it would be hard to say that, since this was the band's first recording with him on bass. I really must say, I don't pay as much attention to Antti Ikonen as I would to the godly keyboardist Jens Johanssen (who replaced Antti not long after 'Fourth Dimension.') Drummer Tuomo Lassila is actually a lot better than his replacement, Jorg Michel. It's not that he's BAD, it's just that Tuomo has a bit more technical skills.
And now, the highlights of this album. Opener "Chasing Shadows" is a typical power metal opening tune: fast and frantic. Very heavy, with a bone chilling intro riff. Track 4, "Hold On To Your Dream," is my personal favorite of the album, the little lead at the beginning is really cool, and I love the buildup of the song, it begins with the lead, then for the first part of the verse, we get no guitar, just a simple bassline, but then the guitar kicks in for a simple tune that crunches along at a perfect tempo. Then, there's the title track (track 8), which has a very interesting intro. The riff is one I can expect to hear in a planetarium, and the bass line...I picked it up right off the bat, it's not hard at all. However, it is one of the lengthiest tunes on the album (a straight 6 minutes) and really shifts around a lot. Ultimately, this is the band's most unpredictable album, and I would highly recommend it to fans of any of Stratovarius' other albums: 'Fright Night,' 'Twilight Time,' 'Fourth Dimension,' 'Episode,' 'Visions,' 'Destiny,' 'Infinite,' and the Elements series. Also recommended for fans of Finnish metal like Nightwish, Thunderstone, Sonata Arctica, and Children of Bodom or power metal like Helloween, Edguy, Blind Guardian, and Gamma Ray.
DEATH TO FALSE METAL!-Manowar
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Their BEST album, July 1, 2005
Even though this album might sound strange and very different than their other albums, it might also be the reason why Dreamspace is their best. The songs are very varied, emotional and progressive at the same time. Something you can't find from any of their other album. The sound is very cold, some may say it's flat, but I think it suits this album perfectly. It might be even intentional, who knows, not a lack of production. This is the creative peak of Tolkki and could actually be his solo album rather than 3rd Stratovarius album, it's that much experimental. This is the Strato album I listen to most.
"Chasing Shadows" has a haunting guitar sound with irresistible drive.
"4th Reich" has the most creative sound in this album, something I can't even describe.
My absolute favourite piece is "Eyes of the World", pure genius! Tolkki sings so beautifully in this one and the lyrics are really touching, not to mention the guitar solo that is one of his all time best (it's not about how fast you play, it's the emotion you deliver and how great it fits into the song overall). Only con is that it might get too repetitive in the end but it doesn't bother me really cos I like the chorus sooo much.
"Hold on to Your Dream" is one of those incredibly catchy and positive songs.
"Tears of Ice" is very beautiful ballad with great atmosphere.
"Dreamspace" is the most progressive song they've ever made and also one of their best. Includes some finest riffing in the middle of the song and also notice how high Tolkki reaches with his yell.
"Reign of Terror" is very angry song with crunching riffs and funny lyrics. It's about the time when Matti Nykänen (skijumper champion from the 80's) made a horrible song in the beginning of the 90's and it was somekind of a "success". Lyrics go like this: 'What the hell is going on, skijumpers making music that sells gold'. Very funny indeed.
"Thin Ice" is the only track I still don't understand.
"Abyss" one of the best with great keyboard melody.
"Shattered" a nice trash metal piece with the most furious riffs ever from Tolkki.
"Wings of Tomorrow" a great ending and one of those cheerful and positive songs.
I could go on forever. Too bad this album seems to be heavily underrated by many people who just want to listen to those stereotypical power metal songs. Tolkki actually sings quite well and his voice definitely fits these songs better than Kotipelto's would. On their DVD "Infinite Visions" is a bonus acoustic live video of "Hold on to Your Dream" sung by Kotipelto and it sounds quite bad. He tries to reach too high with his voice and just messes the whole song, too bad. I recommend this album to everyone who likes the band or doesn't like (yep, it's that different, believe me). No matter what kind of albums Stratovarius makes nowadays and in the future, these oldies will live forever!
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Darker Strato, December 16, 2003
I dont know if its me or not but this album sounded disturbingly dark to me. I have all the Stratovarius albums, and it seems like up to this 3rd album, they've always tried to catch a dark mood. Dreamspace is the peak point of this. Dont get me wrong, its a great album, but is somewhat different than the last Strato albums. If you're used to the new style, it might take a little time get used to Dreamspace. Actually if you dig in, you'll find some really interesting stuff. There are much more progressive elements in Dreamspace than the other albums, capturing another side of Stratovarius. "Chasing Shadows" "4th Reich" "Hold On to Your Dream" "Tears of Ice" "Dreamspace" "Shattered" and "Wings of Tomorrow" are great songs, especially "Wings of Tomorrow", which stands out in the whole bunch, sounding like a graduation theme, closes the album very well. Timo Tolkki isnt great on vocals, but he has some moments. There arent any keyboard-guitar duels in this album, infact the keyboard isnt used as much, just fillers and background strings. I think Tuomo Lassila is a much better drummer than Jörg Michael. He just doesnt pound on the double bass throughout the whole song, and plays much diverse rhythms and variations. The recording quality is not outstanding but instruments are well balanced and clear, and Tolkki's guitar tone is not as dijital as the last albums.
Overall, it's a different album, and great for those who want to discover a new side of Stratovarius
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