Hymn to Life (album)

"Hymn to Life" is the second solo album by Timo Tolkki. Unlike the first one, Classical Variations and Themes, Hymn to Life does not present Tolkki as a fast and classical heavy metal guitarist, but as a diverse songwriter. The album deals with Tolkki's personal beliefs and thoughts about life and encourages the listener to believe in him/herself. Despite some song names, Tolkki uses strong criticism against religions.

Musically the album is for most parts anything but metal. Tolkki added a lot of different influences; pop, rock and classical. The song "Father", which is Tolkki's expression about his late father, also has doom metal elements to it. Perhaps due to its very non-Stratovarius style, the album did not have a very cheerful welcome from the metal audience. On the other hand, the album was never meant to be metal, but a solo album free of the style of Stratovarius.

Guest vocal appearances on the album are Michael Kiske on the track "Key to the Universe" and Sharon den Adel on "Are you the one?".

Track listing

#"Primal (intro)"
#"Key to the Universe"
#"Now I Understand"
#"Divine"
#"Little Boy I Miss You"
#"I Believe"
#"Are You the One?"
#"Father"
#"Fresh Blue Waters"
#"Dear God"
#"It's Xmas Morning"
#"Hymn to life"

Credits

*Timo Tolkki - guitar, bass, vocals, keyboards
*Anssi Nykänen - drums
*Mika Ervaskari - piano, keyboards

Produced and mixed by Timo Tolkki