'Elements Pt. 2' was 'Stratovarius's' second release of 2003 and not only does it finish the Elements concept but also closes a chapter of this incarnation of the band. As with "Pt. I" this sequel fails to enthral me as much as I would expect from a band with 'Stratovarius's' talents, the material is extremely similarly to the previous album and in all honesty begs the question did this concept warrant two releases- I would have to say no. All said, this is a skilful band and they still have their moments, 'Timo Tolkki' plays some superb fret work while 'Jens Johansson' is undoubtedly one of the best keyboardists around, although he's probably overused on this release. Personally the biggest let-down with 'Elements Pt. 2' is the lack of fast material, as I find some of the balladsy material average at best and long for their Power Metal inspired albums of the mid 90's.

First up is 'Alpha & Omega' the intro to which is lapping waves that follows on nicely from the last track of 'Elements Pt. 1', not one of the best openers though, a little lethargic sounding with some trademark screeching 'Timo Kotipelto' vocals which are not to my taste, the heavy riffs and nice solo lift this just above average. Improvements are made with the lively 'I Walk my Own Song', vocally 'Timo Kotipelto' sounds a lot stronger and combines with a sweet pulsating rhythm, dazzling guitar solo and inventive keyboard work for a respectable effort. Continuing strongly is the brisk blazer 'I'm Still Alive' a track which harks back to earlier 'Stratovarius', I'm not over enamoured with the chorus but musically it's superb with real Speed Metal style rhythm and guitars, definitely one to please the old school fans. The pace drops for the balladsy 'Season of Faith's Perfection' a well executed number but too sluggish for my liking and closes with some mystical keyboards that sound out of place and drag on. The tempo is upped for 'Awaken the Giant' a heavy plodder with a more straight forward Metal approach, overall too longwinded and let down by strange distorted vocals which add nothing to the track. Back on target is the blazing neo-classical 'Know the Difference' which highlights superb guitars and magnificent keyboard work, vocally 'Timo Kotipelto' is pretty much lost in the mix but still a decent offering. There's no hope for the downright terrible 'Luminous' an effortless ballad that lacks any character and turns out like a nursery rhyme. Much better is the well crafted 'Dreamweaver' a mid tempo rocker which blends lighter verses with heavier more intense sections and features a fine performance from 'Jörg Michael' who fuels the driving rhythm. The album peters out with 'Liberty' a track which fails to impress me, a sort of uplifting anthem that ultimately comes across trite and insipid with some unpleasant 'Timo Kotipelto' screeching, although the keyboard work is sound with a melody that's not disagreeable it's still a fairly weak closing track.

If the best material from "Pt. 1" and "Pt. 2" was compiled together it would make a very respectable 'Stratovarius' album but as it stands both albums contain too much filler, which isn't something you would associate with a group of their standing. Inner tensions within the band finally gave way after the release of this album with rumours of physical violence between members. 'Timo Tolkki' eventually sacked the lead vocalist and drummer which leaves the future for the band uncertain despite a new sizeable record deal.