Infinite Bethlehem PA

Infinite

Stratovarius

Nuclear Blast Records, 2000

REVIEW BY: Christopher Thelen

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 07/01/2001

Okay, I've had it. I might not be the world's leading authorityon progressive rock (and have never claimed to be), but there's onething I know about this genre that every prog-rock band in theworld had better listen to:

Progressive rock is more than throwing constant double-bass workinto songs, and including keyboard lines that try to fit a millionnotes in just under five seconds. (Jeezus, my five-year-old can dothat... and I don't see anyone lining up to sign her to amulti-album deal.) If you're in prog-rock band and you're guilty ofoverindulging on these two cardinal sins, then stop it... right...now...

I bring this up after spending what seemed like an eternitylistening to Infinite, the eighth release from Finnish prog-rockersStratovarius. (Yes, I know the band has a new release out there...it's just not in my filthy little hands yet.) Just because you'renamed after a musical genius doesn't make you one through osmosis,and the nine songs on this disc show a band who may have the rightidea, but then quash it with instrumental overkill.

Don't get me wrong, there's plenty of great prog-rock bands outthere who can insert a quick keyboard run or use double-bass kickdrum to their advantage. Unfortunately, Stratovarius isn't one ofthose bands - mainly because their songwriting still needs work.(With strong songwriting, a band can even get away withoccasionally overdoing it on the flamboyant side.)