Stratovarius - Enigma: Intermission 2 (2018) [Official Digital Download]

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Stratovarius - Enigma: Intermission 2 (2018) [Official Digital Download]

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Stratovarius - Enigma: Intermission II (2018)
FLAC (tracks) 24-bit/44,1 kHz | Time - 75:00 minutes | 913 MB
Studio Master, Official Digital Download | Artwork: Front cover

Seventeen years ago, Stratovarius released Intermission, a compilation consisting of new and rare material, to celebrate its seventeen years of existence. Now the time has come to celebrate another seventeen years with Enigma: Intermission II. Just like the first release, this one features brand new songs, rare bonus tracks from the previous four regular studio albums and an experimental section with orchestral versions of four songs.

Opener and new track "Enigma" is a potent and powerful song that would have been a highlight on the average previous studio album Eternal. There are also a few pearls among the rare tracks. The atmospheric "Second Sight" would have been a highlight on the disappointing Polaris record. "Giants" is an epic power metal anthem with intellect and emotion. "Old Man and the Sea" is a simple and smooth ballad that unfolds its warm atmosphere after several spins and sounds like no other song the band has ever released. The rearranged orchestral songs focus on classical instruments and soothing vocals, giving vivid tracks like "Unbreakable" and "Shine in the Dark" a completely different identity, showcasing the band's large set of inspirations and its open mind to walk off the beaten path.

Obviously, such a compilation is lacking the coherency, fluency and quality of most regular studio records. A few of the rare tracks are average at best as they fail to leave a deeper impression. The overlooked instrumental "Endless Forest" with its simple yet atmospheric approach reminding me of video game music of the nineties which was included on the Japanese version of Eternal sadly didn't make it onto this compilation. Still, Stratovarius fans should pick this diversified release up and will get sixteen mostly good songs with a generous running time of seventy-five minutes. In addition to the songs, the record convinces with yet another gorgeous cover artwork and a detailed booklet. Fans of European power metal with some creative twists here and there should wait and pick this release up for a reduced price.