Scandinavian prog-power-metal specialists Stratovarius begin their sequel to 2002's Elements, Pt. 1 with a neo-classical dirge called "Alpha And Omega," which showcases their melodic muscle and top-notch playing. Musically, the group are masters of fantasy-metal excess, but bereft of the Dungeons & Dragons hyperbole employed by similar artists. The series as a whole draws from blueprints laid out by Helloween's Keeper of the Seven Keys series, borrowing liberally from their nursery rhyme choruses, ferocious double-bass lines, and operatic vocals — lead singer Timo Kotipelto channels Helloween crooner Michael Kiske throughout — without the thematic focus. There are some inspired moments — the brutal "Awaken The Giant" — and anthems like "Season's Of Faith's Perfection," and the soaring "Liberty," succeed with bombast and Queensr�che-like melodrama. Elements, Pt. 2 may disappoint some fans with its lack of epics and torch-heavy balladry
