REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE Parts Ways With Bassist, Keyboardist

REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE — the new band led by former STRATOVARIUS mastermind Timo Tolkki — has parted ways with bassist Justin Biggs and keyboardist Michael Khalilov.

"During the recordings of [the second REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE album], 'Age of Aquarius', it became evident to everybody that REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE was not the right band for the guys," the group says in a statement. "Justin is more of a thrash guy and Mike expected the music to be something totally different. Out of these reasons the decision has been made that it is better to go separate ways. Both are great guys and the remaining members — Timo Tolkki [guitar], Gus Monsanto [vocals] and Bruno Agra [drums] — wish them well and best of luck on their musical endeavors. Check out the new album of Mike's band EMPYREON from iTunes and Justin's band DESCEND."

REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE recently signed a three-album deal with Napalm Records.

The remaining members of the band have been writing new material "for many months now" and you can expect the follow-up to "Age Of Aquarius" sometime next year.

With REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE, Tolkki continues to take symphonic/melodic metal fans by storm and presents the ever-growing fan base with powerful riffs, sweeping melodies, catchy choruses, and a top notch production that makes even the tiniest detail audible.

Recorded over three months in Finland, REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE's sophomore album, "Age Of Aquarius", was released in March 2009 via Scarlet Records. It was described in a press release as "by far the darkest, heaviest and most symphonic album that Tolkki has ever been involved in."

Finding a close connection with his new bandmembers Gus Monsanto and Bruno Agra, the trio locked itself in a cabin in Finland for a month and composed 10 songs. It was the first time during Tolkki's career that he shared the whole songwriting process with other bandmembers.

"Age Of Aquarius" was released on March 25 in Southeast Asia via JVC. The band also filmed a promotional video in Helsinki for the album's title track.

"New Era", the debut album from REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE, was described in a press release as "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." Guest musicians on the CD include Michael Kiske (vocals; HELLOWEEN),Tobias Sammet (vocals; EDGUY, AVANTASIA),Pasi Rantanen (vocals; THUNDERSTONE),Mirka Rantanen (drums; THUNDERSTONE) and Pasi Heikkilä (bass; 45 DEGREE WOMAN).