On the new imprint from Eagle Entertainment, this is probably the most important album of the Finns’ career, as it marks the departure (and subsequent internet tabloid-style fiasco) of guitarist/driving force Timo Tolkki. The rest of the band remains intact, drafting Matia Kupianen into their ranks and forging ahead with this latest batch of ten tunes, including the two-part ‘Emancipation Suite’. In some respects, the band is lucky, as Tolkki was never the most visible (well-known/well loved) member, so many fans are excited to have the Strats back again. Will they be, after hearing Polaris? Yes, as the songs combine the classic elements of the Suomi back catalog: speedy, double bass-driven power metal (‘Blind’, ‘Forever Is Today’, ‘Higher We Go’) and heartfelt ballads (‘Winter Skies’, the Styx-ish ‘Somehow Precious’ and ‘Emancipation Suite I: Dusk’), practically in equal quantities. Often a public target of Tolkki’s wrath, more than a few of Timo Kotipelto’s lyrics seem to skewer his former bandmate, including ‘King Of Nothing’ (utilizing jackbooted marching sound effect), ‘Blind’ and the aforementioned Emancipations (“It’s time to break these chains and head to freedom. I will be free”). Introducing virtually every tune, keyboardist Jens Johansson appears to have benefited most from the lineup shuffle, playing a more prominent role in the music. Greater use of backing vocals from other members too. The concluding ‘When Mountains Fall’ is a grand finale, complete with orchestral strings and acoustic guitar.