Hymn to Life (album)

Hymn to Life
Studio album by Timo Tolkki
Released	6 May 2002
Label	Metal Mind
Producer	Timo Tolkki
Timo Tolkki chronology
Classical Variations and Themes (1994) Hymn to Life (2002) Saana – Warrior of Light Pt 1 (2008)

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 in 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?".

The track "Hymn to Life" includes a speech of Charlie Chaplin from the movie The Great Dictator.

Track listing

1. "Primal (intro)"
2. "Key to the Universe"
3. "Now I Understand"
4. "Divine"
5. "Little Boy I Miss You"
6. "I Believe"
7. "Are You the One?"
8. "Father"
9. "Fresh Blue Waters"
10. "Dear God"
11. "It's Xmas Morning"
12. "Hymn to life"
13. "Key to the Universe (Strings Version)" (Japanese Bonus Track)

Credits

• Timo Tolkki - guitar, bass, vocals, keyboards
• Anssi Nykänen - drums
• Mika Ervaskari - piano, keyboards
• Michael Kiske - vocals on track 2
• Sharon den Adel - vocals on track 7

Produced and mixed by Timo Tolkki