Nemesis finds the band recapturing the magic of their glory days. Most importantly, the songwriting is excellent as the band seems determined to capture memorable songs that sit alongside the best of their catalog. As is the case with every Stratovarius release, the musicianship is on par with the best in the genre. New addition Pilve does an admirable job taking over the drum throne.

The star of the show is longtime frontman Timo Kotipelto. Every song on Nemesis captures him at his most prolific. The record is filled with memorable melodies that you will want to experience over and over again. Anthemic choruses are captured in every song and I believe this is Kotipelto's best and most passionate performance since 2000s Infinite.

There isn't a weak song on Nemesis, and the band does an outstanding job of diversifying their sound from the thrashy riffs of opener ?Abandon? and ?Halcyon Days? to the incredibly hooky ?Unbreakable? and ?Stand My Ground.? In fact, the latter two songs are some of the catchiest material in the Stratovarius catalog. By Dan Drago