STRATOVARIUS - BLACK DIAMOND | COUPLE REACTION (Patreon Request - Kai S)

[@magnusten5261]

This is a surprise. Didn't expect you'd delve into more classic power metal. I did mention Stratovairus in your Helloween reaction. The song is a pretty solid choice as well. Looking forward to what you make of the band :)

[@BradAlenaMetalReactions]

Thanks Magnus! Hope you liked it! :)

[@magnusten5261]

@@BradAlenaMetalReactions I indeed did. I must admit, I never once thought I'd end up spending 21 minutes on a stratovarius song :D But it was fun to do so with you both. The vocal harmonies you heard were with Timo Tolkki. He used to sing as well in their first album, but once Kotipelto joined in, he provided backing vocals. Tolkki was the heart and soul of the band, and the very definition of a mad genius. He did almost everything.. composing, lyrics, promotions..and he was also Manic Depressive. So you see some really weird themes or be unable to understand their origins clearly. His bouts with his manic episodes were also the base of some of the songs during his last years with the band. Eventually, he stepped out of the band and formed Avalon. Stratovarius was rather generic after his departure in 2008. The guitar solo also has a keyboard solo in there. Jens Johansson is the keyboardist for them, and he uses some rather interesting and weird tones which blend in with the guitars. It is interesting to think of the origins of European metal. I'd say classic bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zepplin, Dire straits... all of them had an influence on most bands formed in the 80s like Maiden, Helloween, Stratovarius (1984). Stratovarius has elements of Power Metal, Speed Metal and even hints of Symphonic Metal. For Stratovarius : Everyone loves something different. I love their song Destiny. It got remastered in 2016 as well, so you can hear it in a bit of a higher definition than the present one. The music and lyrics could fit some Final Fantasy style game. lol. My general request: Ayreon: The Day the world breaks down. It has a great storyline, which I think you'll like. It is the prequel, and also the first song of the album, so a great point to join the story. I know you're busy, but hey, here's to hoping Ayreon will be covered someday :) Thanks for the reaction and stay safe!

[@BradAlenaMetalReactions]

Awesome, awesome comment Magnus! Thanks so much for taking the time to teach us! Stay safe! :)

[@sid666sss]

All my life I appreciate many Metal Genres, but Power Metal is where my Heart belongs. Great reaction, Stratovarius didn't get many attention os Reactors and Voice Coachs. That's a point for you guys. Next Power Metal Could be Rhapsody ( Emeral Sword ) Angra ( The Shadow Hunter )

[@BradAlenaMetalReactions]

Glad you enjoyed it Sidney and thanks for the suggestions :)

[@piipaa1980]

Who else had this as a ringtone in their Nokia 2010? 😂

[@BradAlenaMetalReactions]

Hahaha good old Nokia :D

[@patrickvangelder6943]

Stratovarius caught my attention once 25 years ago but my focus was on the faster and harder genre of metals out there. But i think they opened my ears to the classical, prog and symphonic metal. Theres always that one band that opens the way for other subgenres of metal. So yeah, Stratovarius..... respect.

[@BradAlenaMetalReactions]

I'm very late to the party but better late than never :P

[@oo.llpee.7457]

I was already pretty familiar with Stratovarius in mid 90´s, but I was so much into Metallica and Megadeth by then, that I never got into full fan mode. I had already liked Helloween in early 90´s, and as a guitarist myself, I listened Yngwie Malmsteen quite a lot at that time, so Stratovarius felt pretty familiar. They have a lot of great songs, but it's a bit like Brad said, I never listened them on daily basis. But they have stayed one of my all time favorites since this Visions album (1997).

[@BradAlenaMetalReactions]

Thanks for sharing your history with them - always interesting to hear other people's journey with a band :)

[@lujalainen1]

finnish metal music icon song forever. damn what a good memories come to mind when hear this song. thanx to react and have great weekend there.

[@BradAlenaMetalReactions]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@juhavaris2144]

Best powermetal band ❤👍🇫🇮

[@BradAlenaMetalReactions]

Finnish pride! :)

[@rykehuss3435]

juha kalja koff nyt mennään

[@borisfeldman8022]

Back to my memory with Stratovarius!!! I believe, think song is bordering Power and Neo-classical metal genres, the classical roots are very prominent, vocalist high (approaching falsetto) voice, up-beat, fast blast-beats are very Power metal for me. Loved your lyrical analysis, I prefer the ''dream/fairytail'' explanation, it definitely felt fantastic more than realistic relationship... I'd love to recommend more Power metal bands, like ''Sonata Arctica'', ''Edguy'', ''Kamelot'', ''Grave digger'' and for Neo-classical genre, check out for Yngwie Malmsteen, specially his album ''Fire and Ice'' has strong classical influence. Keep rocking!

[@borisfeldman8022]

Oops, forgot to mention ''Powerwolf'', an amazing and unique band to check, specially when you are in a jovial mood!

[@BradAlenaMetalReactions]

Powerwolf you say hmm... **smirk**

[@borisfeldman8022]

@@BradAlenaMetalReactions Are you familiar with them?!

[@BradAlenaMetalReactions]

No but they're an upcoming request :)

[@borisfeldman8022]

@@BradAlenaMetalReactions Seems I'm storming an open door! Can't wait!

[@rykehuss3435]

This song is my teenhood. Among others. This is a legendary tune, you have no idea. Teenagers got drunk, fucked, and pregnante to this tune. On the rocks of some godforsaken rock island in the middle of the sea, 15-20 years ago. Among other tunes. You have no idea. No idea. Many other tunes were played during such impregnations, but this was one of them.

[@Bryan-T]

Here's a few power metal gems for ya. Borealis - Fall from Grace Espionage - Digital Dystopia Hibria - Steel Lord on Wheels (NOT the 10th anniversary edition)

[@BradAlenaMetalReactions]

Thanks Bryan!

[@benhurdutra2924]

timo tolkki Stratovarius guitarist wrote black diamond in homanegm to his dog

[@BradAlenaMetalReactions]

Thanks for the background info :)

[@SeanD313]

Great request Kai! I think we can all agree that the harpsichord is an under-used sound in the world of metal. This song proves that it needs to be used more! The trade-offs between guitar and keyboard during the middle section of the song were very well done. Some great playing by everyone involved.

[@alenareacts8897]

Thanks, for naming that instrument! That’s exactly the one I was thinking about😉

[@SeanD313]

@Alena Reacts Glad I could help! Also, I think you are right about the band “borrowing” a melody from a classical piece. It sounds very familiar. I just can’t think of what it is from!

[@BradAlenaMetalReactions]

In the Premiere live chat they said it was Bach - so that's why you guys knew it :)

[@SeanD313]

Brad & Alena Metal Reactions 👍 Thanks for the info! I’m not very knowledgeable about classical music but I have heard a lot of Bach, so that explains it.

[@digitalspecter]

Alena is right it's a harpsichord sound (клавесин) they're using and the piece she might be thinking could be J.S.Bach's Toccata & Fugue in D minor, the beginning of the Fugue part that is.

[@BradAlenaMetalReactions]

Thanks fingers! I think you're right!

[@orphydianmusic9529]

Melechesh - Multiple truths next pls ! Its a rare hidden gem that sets a high standard for the very band that created it. It's a very tasty and fascinating mix between beautifull melodic lines and mystic a thmosphere and sick heavy riffage. The thematic and lyrics are at least as fascinating and they quite well balance the message with the instrumentation. There are definitely black and death metal influences but that's doesn't really tells you a lot about their sound. Can't wait to see you reaction !

[@BradAlenaMetalReactions]

Thanks for the suggestion! And glad to see you followed us over from Dream Theater :)

[@1972cd]

Hello there, thoroughly enjoyed the music and reaction. I look forward to your next one. Peace out!

[@BradAlenaMetalReactions]

Thanks again! Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@mjpmattos]

Nice! Try one of the epic songs from them: Visions, Destiny, Infinity or Elements. Cheers!

[@BradAlenaMetalReactions]

Thanks for the suggestions Márcio! :)

[@pts3896]

If you like stratovarius check out Cryogon too 🤘❄️❄️

[@pts3896]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqSyqmateLeJbck

[@MARMAR-xw6gj]

Man this take me back amazing band and song but if you want the pure power metal sound you should check out Rhapsody emerald sword and subbed

[@BradAlenaMetalReactions]

Thanks for the suggestion MAR MAR :)

[@Bruins09XXX]

Awesome reaction! You two are great. React to Babymetal Death live Legend 1997 please. Thanks!

[@BradAlenaMetalReactions]

Thank you and thanks for the suggestion! :)

[@oscarparedes4033]

React to Apocalyptica

[@rhinni]

I'm not a big fan of power metal, but this one was alright

[@BradAlenaMetalReactions]

Well I'll take that as a win then haha

[@Justiceforall55]

React to open eye by orbit culture

[@BradAlenaMetalReactions]

Thanks for the suggestion Nate :)