STRATOVARIUS Mainman Says His New Rock Opera Is ' For The People Who Still Have A Heart'

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

"After I wrote the story over two years ago, I knew immediately that it would be a story that would divide people. I have followed a few the disputes, and God knows what that has been happening in the past month, with a certain sense of disbelief and after that with detachment. I happened to come across a review, although I haven't sent any press copies or MP3's, that was done by some 20-year-old black metal guy:) You can guess what he wrote about 'Saana'. For some strange (insert a touch of irony here) reason he forgot to mention anything about the actual story of 'Saana'. That story includes virtues such as love, respect, tolerance, empathy and kindness that I believe are largely forgotten in today's world. And in record reviews it seems (or maybe because it was downloaded from torrents) indeed many people are laughing to these values. I think it shows something about how far we have gone and how violent the present circumstances are.

"At this point of my life and career, I do not care about what people write or say about my music neither I care about praising or idolizing. Still you would not believe how much hate mail I receive daily :) I have often thought why that is the case. I mostly write about peace and love and I receive so much hate. That cannot be a coincidence. I have been blamed of lot of things lately, like leaking my own songs to the net (and of course the people who accuse me don't accuse the person(s) who easily can falsify for example MP3 metadata),threatening to sue my fans because they badmouth me (some guy registered to a forum and claimed to be my publicist and that I will sue the fans who badmouth me and my music),writing a rock opera that is not rock opera (I call it classical rock opera but I leave the debate gladly to those who need it),that I have deliberately made 'Saana' sound 'bad' and quickly (it took a year of my life and cost me a 100 000 that I paid back to Frontiers and same amount with production costs),the 'whole thing' has been some publicity thing with Frontiers etc. Some people think that I agree with these people simply because I refuse to comment the rumours. It seems to piss them off because all they actually want to do is to fight. It's hard to fight with someone who refuses to fight. I don't usually comment the nonsense that is written about me because I don't want to have anything to do with evil, but I decided to write a few words to my fans that might be confused.

"These are all so absurd accusations to me and I am accustomed that I receive a lot of bad stuff, but with this album it's been the worst. You know what it tells me? It tells me that I have done something really important. And that this album is for sure not for everyone. I would say this album is for the people who still have a heart. And there are many still, thank God.

"And to close this I can gladly tell you that you people have downloaded 'Saana' during eight days 9253 times which grosses $112,354.56 U.S. I cannot say how much this means to me and the message that I am spreading with 'Saana'. Large portion of the money 'Saana' generates will go to a foundation I will establish later this year that will be dealing with spiritual and environmental issues of our times.

"It seems there are lots of Warriors Of Light out there and you are needed in these dark times. We will keep in touch. Thank you."

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.