As Timo never had been acting as composer on any STRATOVARIUS-album, the question arises, how it sounds, when he composes, arranges etc., what awaits us is, of course, pretty open…

OK, it's a surprisingly balanced mix of Melodic Rock, Melodic Metal and Power Metal, which shows that Timo has a lot more to offer than only a good voice. And that the performance of the other musicians stands above any doubts is almost logical, isn't it?

OK, so what does "Waiting For The Dawn" have to offer quality-wise? Kotipelto has not made the mistake of relying on his name and just going into the STRATOVARIUS-direction, no, he shows that his voice is just as well working in Power Metal ("Knowledge And Wisdom" or "Lord Of Eternity") as in more rocking, less heavy and/or fast regions ("Travel Through Time" or "Waiting For The Dawn") or also in ballads ("Beauty Has Come"). The arrangements also are very mature effort of the Finn, despite the stylistic spectrum the album has a good flow.

Productionwise there, of course, is nothing to be criticised either, the cover fits a few of the lyrics, which deal with Egypt and is by none other than Derek Riggs himself, good one, "Waiting For The Dawn", respect!