Polaris (Stratovarius album)

Untitled

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 Kupiainen and bassist Lauri Porra, and also the first Stratovarius album not featuring long-time guitarist Timo Tolkki, who left the band in 2008. Vocalist Timo Kotipelto describes Polaris as "a positive, powerful album that Stratovarius fans all over the world are certain to take to their hearts". Tony Kakko is featured as backing vocalist on several tracks as "Deep Unknown" and "King of Nothing".

The album was recorded in late 2008 and mixed by Mikko Karmila. The cover art was done by Gyula Havancsák.

Track listing

1. "Deep Unknown" (Kotipelto, Kupiainen) – 4:28
2. "Falling Star" (Porra) – 4:33
3. "King of Nothing" (Johansson) – 6:43
4. "Blind" (Johansson) – 5:28
5. "Winter Skies" (Johansson) – 5:50
6. "Forever Is Today" (Porra) – 4:40
7. "Higher We Go" (Kotipelto, Kupiainen) – 3:47
8. "Somehow Precious" (Kotipelto, Kupiainen) – 5:37
9. "Emancipation Suite Part I: Dusk" (Porra) – 6:57
10. "Emancipation Suite Part II: Dawn" (Porra) – 3:40
11. "When Mountains Fall" (Porra) – 3:12

Japanese track listing

1. "Deep Unknown" (Kotipelto, Kupiainen) – 4:28
2. "Falling Star" (Porra) – 4:33
3. "King of Nothing" (Johansson) – 6:43
4. "Second Sight" [Japanese bonus track] (Kotipelto, Kupiainen)
5. "Blind" (Johansson) – 5:28
6. "Winter Skies" (Johansson) – 5:50
7. "Forever Is Today" (Porra) – 4:40
8. "Higher We Go" (Kotipelto, Kupiainen) – 3:47
9. "Somehow Precious" (Kotipelto, Kupiainen) – 5:37
10. "Emancipation Suite Part I: Dusk" (Porra) – 6:57
11. "Emancipation Suite Part II: Dawn" (Porra) – 3:40
12. "When Mountains Fall" (Porra) – 3:12

On 7" Vinyl Collector's Edition:

1. "Second Sight (Mikko Karmilla Polycarbonate Mix)"
2. "King Of Nothing (Matias Kupiainen Death Star Mix)"

Charts

Chart (2009)	Peak position
Finnish Albums Chart	2

Personnel

• Timo Kotipelto – Vocals
• Jens Johansson – Keyboards, backing vocals
• Jörg Michael – Drums
• Lauri Porra – Bass guitar, backing vocals
• Matias Kupiainen – Guitars, backing vocals

• Alexi Parviainen, Hepa Waara, Tipe Johnson, Tony Kakko - Backing vocals