Taking the Lead
Elias Viljanen · 2002
43 min · 12 tracks · power metal
Explosive guitar riffs and soaring melodies encapsulate the high-energy essence of power metal, driven by virtuosic musicianship.
Top tracks — play these first
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Evil Rock — With its driving rhythm and catchy hooks, this track exemplifies Viljanen's knack for blending technical prowess with accessible melodies.
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The Axemaster — This song showcases impressive guitar solos that highlight Viljanen's virtuosic playing while maintaining a powerful narrative throughout.
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Speed of the Devil — The fast-paced tempo and intricate guitar work create an exhilarating listening experience that embodies the spirit of classic power metal.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong guitar work and energetic compositions typical of power metal but lacks broader impact.
What we noticed
- The album features rapid tempo changes, with several tracks transitioning from aggressive riffs to melodic interludes.
- The first half of the album maintains a high-energy pace, while the latter half introduces more varied dynamics and slower tempos.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- high-energy guitar-driven excitement
- soaring melodies for motivation
- short bursts of dynamic riffs
- anthemic tracks for sing-alongs
- virtuosic solos that inspire awe
Maybe skip if you
- prefer mellow, subdued sounds
- dislike fast-paced listening experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Taking the Lead is Elias Viljanen's debut solo album, released in 2002 after establishing himself as a guitarist for the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius. This album marked his transition into a solo artist, showcasing his skill and distinct style beyond his contributions to the band.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sonata Arctica· Stratovarius· DragonForce
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Taking the Lead
The bridge builds intensity with a shift in melody that reflects a determination to overcome challenges.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Evoke the Spirit 0:35
- 2 Evil Rock 3:35
- 3 The Axemaster 4:56
- 4 I Go Solo 4:13
- 5 Northern Breeze 3:20
- 6 Beyond Twilight 4:08
- 7 Taking the Lead 4:04
- 8 A Dream Come True 3:33
- 9 Hyper-boogie 3:29
- 10 Written in Stars 1:55
- 11 Passion for Glory 5:16
- 12 Speed of the Devil 4:04
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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