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Ex-STRATOVARIUS Bassist To Play On TIMO TOLKKI's 'Saana - Warrior of Light' Rock Opera

January 27, 2007

STRATOVARIUS guitarist Timo Tolkki has issued an update on his classic rock-opera project, "Saana - Warrior of Light", for which he recently signed a deal with Frontiers Records.

"Saana - Warrior of Light" will feature "seven characters and numerous musicians (including Tolkki himself) who will collaborate in this ambitious project," according to a press release. "The result is a unique sound, unlike anything ever heard before… from soaring majestic heights to soft and gentle moments and everything in between. It also tells a very dramatic tale."

"'Saana - Warrior of Light' is the story of a woman who makes an unforgettable journey that changes her life and view of the universe forever. On her journey, she will discover the biggest secret of mankind… and her own destiny."

"Warrior of Light" introduces 29-year-old Jennifer Sowle from the USA as Saana, the main character. She is a classically trained opera singer with a master's degree in music.

Commented Tolkki: "The last round of casting for the characters of 'Saana' is on its way. It means I have to do some travelling in the next weeks to come. Still writing the story too. All I can say that what I am doing has never been done before in music and in lyrics. I could easily write 20 STRATOVARIUS-styled songs and invite some known guests and call that 'rock opera.' But I don't wanna do anything like that. 'Saana' will be something totally different, both musically and lyrically. I call this a classic rock opera and you will know why. To me this is like a film turned to music. And maybe one day, someone makes a film about this. The story would fit....perfectly.

"I was in touch with ex-STRATOVARIUS, current MESS bass player Jari Kainulainen and asked him to play the bass on this one and he said 'Sure.' I am happy because he is one of the best bass players in the world. And somewhere in between all travelling, I'm gonna spend time in Venice, Italy in producing a new VISION DIVINE album, called '25th Hour'."

"Saana - Warrior of Light" will be released in the fall.

For more information, visit www.saana-warrioroflight.com.

Tolkki and STRATOVARIUS drummer Jörg Michael recently completed the basic demos in Germany for the band's new album (whose title consists of two separate words that both start with "R"). The actual album recordings are expected to begin on February 25 at Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki, Finland for a tentative late 2007/early 2008 release.

STRATOVARIUS' latest, self-titled effort was released in the U.S. in September 2005 via Sanctuary.

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