Stratovarius

Stratovarius is a Finnish power metal band, known for its symphonic approach to the genre.

Stratovarius was founded in 1984 in Finland under the name Black Water. They went through a number of personnel changes and changes in style b

Stratovarius is a Finnish power metal band, known for its symphonic approach to the genre.

Stratovarius was founded in 1984 in Finland under the name Black Water. They went through a number of personnel changes and changes in style before the band found its own voice. The founding members were Tuomo Lassila, Staffan Stråhlman, and John Vihervä. By 1985, Timo Tolkki entered the band, replacing Stråhlman on guitar, changed the name to Stratovarius (a combination of Stratocaster and Stradivarius) and taking up vocal duties as well. Tolkki became the driving force and mastermind of the band, assuming relatively complete control of the song-writing. He brought along not only strong rock influences, but also a neo-classical tinge. The band released a demo to various record companies by 1987, finally being picked up by CBS Finland. In 1989, their debut album Fright Night was released, following two singles.