Future Shock

This single is very good because it truly depicts the sound of the band back in the 80s and also has two of the best songs of the first album.

Future Shock is a killer song with lots of influences that disappeared in the 90s. The main riff is very good and shows that the band is clearly influenced by the classic metal bands from the 70s but also has some elements, like melodic guitar lines and catchy vocal lines, that will remain throughout the band's career.
Also the music is more progressive than what will be available on later albums, but let's concentrate on this period and not talk about the future anymore.

Timo's vocal performance is hit or miss as always, especially when trying to hit the higher notes. He does a rather good job when he stays in his low range, but It is quite obvious that the band needs a real vocalist to develop its potential.
The music is quite progressive but is also easy to headbang to. The final explosion at the end looks very out of place but it's a minor detail.

Witch-hunt is faster than the previous track and also more progressive. It has a commanding bass line (which is actually very audible) and a cool melodic solo at the start, then moves onto the verse featuring a nice start-stop riff typical of progressive bands and then the chorus which is very catchy. Then comes a solo, where Tolkki shows his skills and then the chorus again.
This songs seems to end rather quickly, mainly because of all the changes that it has. Could have been more developed and therefore make it reach 4 or 5 minutes, but it's ok the way it is.

It is clear that the band has a lot of potential but still needs some development, especially in the vocal department and the keyboards, which are barely used on the first album.

This record includes two songs of the upcoming debut album of the band which was released by CBS on 1989,"Fright Night". Things are quite simple: these two songs represent the sound of Stratovarius at that time. Neoclassical heavy guitar lines, up-tempo double bass songs, technical playing anf good melodies.
"Future Shock" begins with a melody influenced from RITCHIE BLACKMORE'S RAINBOW, a great Tolkki influence at that time. Then the song continues with fast guitars. catchy vocal lines and a feeling that reminds a bit of HELLOWEEN epic moments.
As for the other track, "Witch Hunt" keeps the high speed playing but contains also some 70's influences that later have dissapeared from what we call "typical Stratovarius sound". A cathcy chorus is followed by some good guitar-solo work by Tolkki who let us listen to some of his virtuoso skills.
Anyway, this release shows some of the abilities that later proved Stratovarius as one of the most important representives of power metal stage.