STRATOVARIUS Mainman Says He Is 'Very Happy' With Number Of 'Saana' Legal Downloads

STRATOVARIUS mainman Timo Tolkki has issued the following update on his recently completed classical rock opera, "Saana - Warrior of Light Part 1: Journey to Crystal Island":

"I'm very happy to see how many people are actually downloading 'Saana' from my webshop as MP3/FLAC version. It completely supports my current theory that there are people who are willing to pay for MP3's as long as they are DRM-free, reasonably priced and good quality and have something extra in them. Thanks for proving that right with your downloadings. I think new times have finally started and we will see more and more artists directly selling their products and with a good price. Also finally the artists have a chance to get the majority of the money and not the record companies and retail sellers/shops. Sometimes during my career I have thought that these people have forgotten that without us musicians, none of these companies would even exist. And without you people, we musicians would not exist.
So once again, big thank you for your support regarding 'Saana'. It means a lot to me."

For more information, visit www.timotolkki.com.

"Saana - Warrior of Light Part 1: Journey to Crystal Island" is the first rock opera composed by Timo Tolkki. It took over a year to make the working hours totalling close to 3000. This piece combines music, graphics and video in a way that has never been done before. Mixing conventional rock instruments with choirs, classical percussionists and a string ensemble blended seamlessly with cinematic influences, "Saana" is a breathtaking experience of emotions and dynamics. "Saana" features Jennifer Sowle from the USA singing the title role as Saana, Aino Laos from England as Freya and Heikki Pyhi from Finland as Damian.

"Saana" challenges its listener with a spectacular story of a woman who is about to end her life but is suddenly stopped by what seems to be a caring stranger, who takes her on a journey that will change her life forever. Not only will she discover her destiny and find out her purpose, but she will also discover the biggest secret mankind has ever known. The final battle between good and evil has started.

"Saana" varies from quiet emotional moments of beauty to unseen heights of despair and hopelesness and in itself carries a message that burns like the brightest flame. That message you must discover yourself. For "Saana", Timo Tolkki did not choose the easiest way to create a rock opera. He wanted to film the story as well because he felt it needed the visual element. It stands on its own, but only when you see the DVD with Dolby Digital surround sound, will you experience the full drama of "Saana - Warrior of Light Part 1: Journey to Crystal Island".

"Saana" is a revolutionary concept also in the ways it is been released. Seeing where the music industry is currently headed, Timo Tolkki decided to release the album in all its configurations only through his own web site. This record will not be available from anywhere else in the world and it makes possible to set a very customer friendly prices to the configurations and a direct interaction with the artist and fans. The product comes directly from the artist with no record company or record shop in between.

STRATOVARIUS debuted a brand new song, entitled "Last Night on Earth", during their appearance at the Wacken Open Air festival on August 4, 2007 on the "True Metal Stage".

STRATOVARIUS last year entered Sonic Pump studios in Helsinki, Finland to begin recording its new album (the title of which consists of two separate words that both start with "R"). An early 2008 release is expected.

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