Ah, gosh, Stratovarius, you done got me all introspective and stuff again! Really though, this album has some great choruses, solos, and some nice melodies and even though it doesn't come across as flashy as some of their contemporaries, there is something enduring about this release (as well as their follow up Visions). There is something special here and even though not every track shines (*cough* boring Babylon *cough*) it still has a lot to offer. I get happy hearing the woah part in Father Time. I love the climax that builds during Season of Change. The faster Speed of Light is just great to rock out to. And Forever is a nice calmer piece that is heartfelt and calming with a small dose of longing. Some of the songs have to grow on you but it is worth the effort. I thought for quite a long time whether to give a rating of 90 or 95, but I raise the rating to 95 only for the fact that "Episode" was the first album of that group. It's unbelievable how quickly the band members found a common chemistry, which also makes the album so good. This album is just fantastic overall and is one of their best records.

Fantastic release and easily recommended.

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