REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE

The third and the final full-length album by the Finnish Symphonic Power Metal band, formed by Timo Tolkki, former ex-guitarist, songwriter and producer of Stratovarius.
Like Gandalf the wizard, Timo Tolkki has long been wandering in strange lands, trying to find his path back to the world. Claiming shock when the members of Stratovarius carried on without him (and resumed being badass), Timo sought refuge in his own project, Revolution Renaissance.  “New Era” was a mediocre release, and “Age Of Aquarius” started slipping out of the realm of Metal.
Well, Timo hasn’t redeemed himself quite for all of the poor to mediocre Power Metal he’s made, but “Trinity” is a big step up in quality. “Trinity” is the sort of Power Metal that you’ve forgotten that Timo once made. Pretty straight-ahead in its formula, this album has dropped former attempts at silly atmospheric and symphonic elements. The guitars are back, the tempo has been turned up, and the rhythms are strong.
The vocal lines sung by Gus Monsanto are very heavily reminiscent indeed of Stratovarius. Gus is definitely a competent singer, and his voice has a not-unpleasant edge to it.
Timo didn’t actually record the guitars on this album himself, because Revolution Renaissance split up before this album was released. Allegedly, all solos were performed by the producer Santtu Lehtiniemi. In any case, the quality solos are back, and it is a very refreshing feeling. This nostalgia for classic, conventional Power Metal is what makes “Trinity” remarkable. It’s one of the genre’s masters making a hefty stride towards a return to form. The rhythm is crunchy and tight, the leads dynamic and excellent, and the solos are superb!
All things considered however, that Revolution Renaissance and Timo Tolkki went out with a considerable bang. Honestly, we don’t know how long Timo can abstain from music and Metal, and harbor a hunch that he may return to the scene again someday.  Revolution Renaissance will always have a lukewarm welcome in most places, but it has been a most interesting project overall!  “Trinity” is certainly the most solid and pleasing of the three releases that Tolkki manufactured!!
Napalm Records, 2010 (NPR 343 CD). Made in Germany. First press.


Tracklist:
1. Marching With The Fools     5:07 
2. Falling To Rise     4:12 
3. A Lot Like Me     4:32 
4. World Doesn´t Get To Me     4:24 
5. Crossing The Rubicon     5:18 
6. Just Let It Rain     4:34 
7. Dreamchild     4:30 
8. Trinity     10:16 
9. Frozen Winter Heart     4:27
Total playing time: 47:20