Nemesis (Stratovarius album)

Nemesis is the fourteenth studio album by power metal band Stratovarius, released on 22 February 2013 through Edel AG. It is the first Stratovarius album to feature new drummer Rolf Pilve, who replaced Jörg Michael in 2012. The album was first announced on the band's official website on 24 November 2012, with the track listing being revealed on 5 December 2012. Nemesis reached No. 3 on the Finnish albums chart. A preview of "Unbreakable", the album's first single, was made available on YouTube and was released on 25 January 2013.

Background and recording
Former Sonata Arctica guitarist Jani Liimatainen, who released the collaborative acoustic album Blackoustic in 2012 with singer Timo Kotipelto, guest performs on Nemesis, having also co-written two songs in "If the Story Is Over" and "Out of the Fog".

The band considered hiring an orchestra to perform in the album, but they abandoned the idea in the end.

The name of the album came up when guitarist Matias was sitting on the airport of Madrid and suggested it to his bandmates. At that point, most of the lyrics were already done. The woman on the cover may be a savior, an avenger or the author of all the destruction, according to Jens.

Critical reception
LA Weekly named its cover as the most ridiculous metal album cover of 2013.

Stratovarius

 * Timo Kotipelto – vocals
 * Matias Kupiainen – guitar, mixing, production
 * Jens Johansson – keyboard
 * Rolf Pilve – drums
 * Lauri Porra – bass

Guest musicians

 * Jani Liimatainen – acoustic guitar, background vocals
 * Joakin Jokela – whistling
 * background vocals by the "Shark Finns" – Susana Koski, Anna Maria Parkkinen, Anna-Maija Jalkenen, Alexa Leroux, Tipe Johnson, Hepa Waara, Ari Sievälä, James Lascelles, Dane Stefaniuk, Koop Arponen

Production

 * Mika Jussila – mastering
 * Perttu Vänskä – production assistance
 * Kalle Keski-Orvola – production assistance
 * Paavo Kurkela – production assistance
 * Gyula Havancsák – cover art
 * Sander Nebeling – layout and package coordination