Band:	Symfonia
Album:	In Paradisum
Style:	Power metal
Release date:	March 23, 2011
A review by:	Doc G.

01. Fields Of Avalon
02. Come By The Hills
03. Santiago
04. Alayna
05. Forevermore
06. Pilgrim Road
07. In Paradisum
08. Rhapsody In Black
09. I Walk In Neon
10. Don't Let Me Go

Well, it looks like we get two Stratovarius releases this year. There really is no other way to describe this new Timo Tolkki project. Sure, calling it a "ripoff" would be far from the truth, as the main man from this band is the one who pretty much established Stratovarius' sound, so let's just go with "uninspired".

One would think after the widely publicized soap opera that went on regarding Tolkki's departure from Stratovarius, he would be hungry to reinvent himself, or at least try and challenge himself in a new direction of some kind. Hell, he's an accomplished musician, maybe even out-doing his old band at their own game could have been a possibility. Nope! Not only does this sound like a creation of someone who is seriously caught in a rut, but it lacks most of the redeeming qualities of his previous work - it's not nearly as catchy, doesn't have the same depth built around the keyboard-guitar dual harmonies, and lacks any real definite climax.

I honestly wish there was some way to describe this without constantly bringing up Stratovarius comparisons, but that's all this really sounds like; Stratovarius' weakest moments compiled into one album. The only remotely significant difference is the vocalist, who is another warm, super-melodic power metal sound we can hear from Mr.Kotipelto (even if they do have drastically different timbres.)

Fans of Timo Tolkki will probably be divided on this one, as In Paradisum undeniably has his thumb print on it. Some will enjoy hearing his signature style again, others will be disappointed in the lack of evolution. No real surprises here.