TIMO TOLKKI Asks For Some Compassion And Understanding

Guitarist Timo Tolkki who announced on April 2 that STRATOVARIUS was no more has issued the following update:

"First of all, many thanks for your mails and messages. They have been very supportive. I have also received some messages that are not so nice.

"Please do not make this a war because it is not. I do not want you to say bad things about TK [Timo Kotipelto; vocals] and Jrg [Michael; drums] etc.

"As I have written and what some people do not seem to understand, sometimes going away is the only solution to multiple problems one is facing. But you can do it with love and dignity. I decided to tell you much much more than the average 'we are breaking up because of musical differences.'

"There is no one single cause for the split, but as I wrote, it is a process of many years. So instead of channelling your energies in flaming wars or taking sides, why don't you try something else? Why don't you support every Stratomember and carry us through this with compassion and understanding instead of hate, anger and war? Most STRATO songs are about love and peace in some form anyway.

"Just give it some thought."

Timo Tolkki's new project REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE will release its debut album, "New Era", on June 6 via Frontiers Records. 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).

In a recent issue of Finland's Soundi magazine, Tolkki states about the CD, "The [REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE album] contains more or less 'Visions'-style [STRATOVARIUS' acclaimed 1997 release] power metal. Michael Kiske, Pasi Rantanen, Mirka Rantanen, Pasi Heikkil and Tobias Sammet have recorded their parts. But if there are any live performances, the lineup won't be the same. I have been thinking of asking Jens [Johansson, STRATOVARIUS keyboardist] and Lauri [Porra, STRATOVARIUS bassist] to join me for this."

Regarding the band's name, Timo says, "On the album, there's one song with this title, and Frontiers suggested it to be the band's name too. I thought it was good idea."

When asked if he will perform any STRATOVARIUS songs with REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE, Tolkki replies, "Well, what do you think? Of course. I can play my songs with whomever I want."