
Jörg Michael (drummer) of Stratovarius
The Finish power metal band Stratovarius is back in a new formation and with a new album ’Polaris.’ I have no idea what to expect when I get drummer Jörg Michael on the phone, but he is open, genially and willing to start the new chapter in the band’s history.
The German drummer is fast in his answers, extremely open about his feelings and wins my respect by that attitude. He definitely wants to clear the past, and continues his detailed story.
Jörg: We are not a driving ship and wait. Now we are free from the company and rebirth. The control is in our hands and finally we can do it! The spirit is back. I started to make music, because I have fun from it. Somehow we lost that. There was no energy…
He is silent for a while, than he goes back to 2005 when the album ‘Stratovarius’ was released and Tolkki started to have a different vision about the band.

Jörg: We wanted to release it and the whole concept came later after we had the songs recorded. It was the idea of Lauri Porra ( bassplayer, new member. Also member of Kotipelto – SD). So it is not a concept, but totally the opposite. It symbolised a bright northern star. You see it shining, powerful and with a positive vibe.
Jörg: It was different than for example ‘Elements.’ There was more teamwork and before there was a tight guide. Tolkki is a genius musician and always listened to suggestion, also a good producer. He is clear and strict. He knew what he wanted, but it is also limited. Now five people were discussing and we had long talks. There was no leader who did the arrangements for example.
Jörg: We use the same harmonies style and the same drum techniques I know. I simply did what I like to do: play drums the best I can. I do it for friendship and not for the money. Everybody wanted to help and that motivated me to do it. I know Jens Johansson (keyboards) had big offers to play in other bands, but he choose for Stratovarius. Ten years we developed the band and now we want to prove ourselves that we still can do it!
Jörg: The first song ‘Deep Unknown’ units everything we have now in Stratovarius. Guitarist Mattias Kupianen has more progressive influences (co-writer of the song, together with Timo Kotipelto – SD) and adds a new element to the band. I like the ‘Dreamspace’ (2004) album the best. It has a signature on even rhythms. On this album you hear those knowledge as well. A super tune is ‘King Of Nothing’ (written by Jens Johansson) but it was difficult to record with many details. After some times you will realise how much it was. It took a lot of time to get it perfect and that is what you hear. There are even some songs not added on the album and I like those a lot as well. There is a high quality level on this album.
Jörg: He is an adult now and responsibility. He took some work and did a great job.
Jörg: He uses his voice different on ‘Polaris.’ When I heard it the first time it sounded great and it didn’t changed much, very talented. Tolki has a certain view and tone in his head how the voice needed to sound. It took away the emotions and spirit. You can hear that on ‘Dreamwaver’ or ‘Celestrial Dream’ what was a bit too high and you hear Timo struggeling.
He put Timo in a cage. Now Timo feels confident again. The emotions again and he has the space to develop other sides of his voice as well and not only the very high parts.
SD: Polaris brought the energy back and convince everyone that Stravorius is back full force.
Jörg: We reached a higher level with this album. Like myself I am more open with the drums and Timo is more confident. We have a new tour coming up, the first rehearsal in the beginning of May and I hope for good reactions.
Jörg Michael asks for a last word to the fans: It was not easy and I want to thank the people who stand up with us. We celebrate it together with this new album. Thanks!
Copyright photos: Stratovarius and Edel
{jos_sb_discuss: 21}