Stratovarius--Destiny (1998) Rating--8.5

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Cold Winter Nights--RealAudio

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More sharp and biting distortion, like that which was featured on the previous release 'Visions'. The band continues to be at the forefront of the "power-progressive" genre, as they majestically mix double-bass high octane, keyboard-and-guitar solo tradeoffs, and thick power chords coupled with razor riffs. The voice of Timo Kotipelto is hallowed and most underrated.... A true listening pleasure.
The opening track and title cut features angelic female intro vox that give a great aura. The song then kicks in, and features numerous pace changes throughout. The driving "S.O.S." is one of the disc's top tracks, as is "Cold Winter Nights"--the latter having a crunching riff and pound-and-drive rhythm.
A Helloween-prance keyboard intro gives way to a heavy chord pickup on "Anthem of the World." The rapid fire riff approach of "No Turning Back" makes it, along with "Rebel," one of the fastest songs offered.
Standing out as well is the solid "Playing With Fire."

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TRACK LIST: Destiny/S.O.S./No Turning Back/4000 Rainy Nights/Rebel/Years Go By/Playing With Fire/Venus in the Morning/ Anthem of the World/Cold Winter Nights

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