Quoted from their MySpace site: “New Era” pays tribute musically to the trademark STRATOVARIUS albums "Visions " and "Episode ", with its Melodic Power Metal style that Tolkki was instrumental in creating, along with such bands as HELLOWEEN and GAMMA RAY. His trademark guitar playing that earned him a position in “The 80 best guitar players of the World” category in the American “Guitar World” magazine readers’ poll shines throughout the album.

What a story to be told on this new release by REVOLUTION RENNIAISSANCE this is a new band formed in 2008 by Timo Tolkki right after the split up STRATOVARIUS. These songs were composed for STRATOVARIUS, and get to see the light of day with his new project. You have some extremely high priority guests on vocals, which include Tobias Sammet, Michael Kiske, and Pasi Rantanen.

“Heroes” starts the disc off with a jolt, some instrumental keyboards by an old friend Mike Khalilov (EMPYREON) formerly of UNTIL DESTINY, which slashes into velocity flying speed guitar by Tolkki<.b>. The amazing vocals of guest vocalists Tobias Sammet (EDGUY / AVANTASIA) is simply put amazing. Tobias is just one force on “New Era” that makes his presence known. Track-two is classic with great hooks musically and with the expertise vocals of Michael Kiske (formerly of HELLOWEEN) makes “I Did It My Way” a gem. This is definitely a song you will be listening to over and over again. Kiske is a master vocalist that captures the senses and delivers greatness. I loved this track!

“We Are Magic” is another killer tune starting off with striking guitar work by Tolkki as the bombardment of acclaimed musicianship joins in with the thundering drums of Bruno Agra the song takes off. This is just beautiful godly sounds reaching star status. Pasi Rantanen (THUNDERSTONE) adds his trademark vocals with intensity making this just another destroying tune.

Kiske hooks up with Mike Khalilov keyboards and a sensual ballad is born with “Angel.” The elevation of melodic skill and balance between the musicians is by far golden. A great superb tune!

“Eden Is Burning” has it all, the DIO -ish style with Rantanen capturing the raw vocal sounds. Khalilov keyboards are evident in the directional masterpiece of RR but all the musicians and vocalist on New Era are on the top of their game. These guys have been in the music industry for the long haul and mastered how to deliver and it comes shinning through on New Era.

“Born Upon The Cross” would have been a great tune for DIO, but is possessed by REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE . Has all the making of a great DIO tune even the Dio-ish style vocals. You gotta check this one out.

“Keep The Flame Alive” sounds like an angelic tune from moors of Scotland. With the tinkering keyboards and slow melodic vocals of Michael Kiske as his pronunciation of each word lifts an octave making this another stand out track. Timo soars on this one with some sentimental strumming.

Ending “New Era” is REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE that I am sure will be the bands trademark song and anthem. Great song ending a great CD and what makes me sooooo happy REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE signed a four-album deal so we will hear more great tunes to come.