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Former STRATOVARIUS Members Reportedly Decide Against Carrying On Without TOLKKI

May 30, 2008

Former STRATOVARIUS and current REVOLUTION RENASISSANCE mainman/guitarist Timo Tolkki has issued the following update:

"Just thought you might want to hear this and end the speculations.

"Today I made an interview with a biggest heavy metal magazine Rock Hard in Germany with a longtime journalist friend of the band, Mr. Frank Albrecht.

"I was wondering when he was talking about all the time 'now that STRATO won't continue without you'. I told him that as far as I know they are and he said that no, because Jrg Michael [former STRATOVARIUS drummer] sent him a statement a week ago that will be in the next issue of Rock Hard.

"Jrg says, among other things, 'We thought about continuing with the name STRATO, but we came into a conclusion that it is Tolkki's band and therefore we are not going to do it'.

"I believe this sets the record straight and is also the right decision. How you view this in the light of the recent statements of Jrg & co, is entirely up to you. I just thought that you would like to know how things are and the Germans can read it from the next issue of Rock Hard.

"They will probably issue some kind of statement together with that.

"Now let's get back to music!"

REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE the new band featuring Timo Tolkki announced earlier in the week that it has parted ways with Frontiers Records. A new record deal has not yet been announced.

Short audio samples of all 10 tracks that are set to appear on "New Era", the forthcoming debut album from REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE, are available for streaming at www.jpc.de. According to a press release, the CD "is a masterpiece of melodic power metal, taking the listener straight back to the 'Visions'-era STRATOVARIUS. In fact, 'New Era' is the album that was meant to be the next STRATOVARIUS album.

"Timo called a few friends for the recording sessions and the album features all the lead vocals from such legends as Michael Kiske [HELLOWEEN] and Tobias Sammet [EDGUY, AVANTASIA], along with Timo's blistering lead guitar lines and melodic power metal anthems that made him one of the pioneers of the style and trademark performers of the style. REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE witnesses a rebirth, a new era for Timo Tolkki and his music."

Other musicians that reportedly appear on "New Era" include Pasi Rantanen (vocals; THUNDERSTONE),Mirka Rantanen (drums; THUNDERSTONE) and Pasi Heikkil (bass; 45 DEGREE WOMAN).

"Revolution Renaissance" track listing (singer of each song listed next to its title):

01. Heroes (Sammet)
02. I Did It My Way (Kiske)
03. We Are Magic (Rantanen)
04. Angel (Kiske)
05. Eden Is Burning (Rantanen)
06. Glorious And Divine (Sammet)
07. Born Upon The Cross (Rantanen)
08. Keep The Flame Alive (Kiske)
09. Last Night On Earth (Kiske)
10. Revolution Renaissance (Kiske)

REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE's "permanent" lineup includes keyboardist Mike Khalilov, Brazilian drummer Bruno Agra and Brazilian singer Gus Monsanto (ex-ADAGIO). A bassist for the group has not yet been named.

Timo Tolkki will play three 'An Evening With" shows in Italy in August. According to the guitarist, "We will play STRATO songs, songs from 'Classical Variations', 'Hymn to Life' and some REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE songs. That's gonna be nice."

"An Evening With Timo Tolkki" tour dates:

Aug. 08 - Musicpalast - Riccione, Italy
Aug. 09 - Elvis Fan - Stagno, Italy
Aug. 10 - Rapallo Open Air - Rapallo, Italy

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