STRATOVARIUS To Begin Recording New Album This Weekend

Finnish melodic metallers STRATOVARIUS have issued the following update:

"In two days we are entering Sonic Pump Studios [in Helsinki] to record our 12th album. Jörg [Michael, drums] is flying in tomorrow [Saturday, Feb. 24]. We are keeping you updated with blogs and podcasts and we try to set up the webcam for you by Tuesday so you can see us actually playing in the studio. Blogs and podcasts you will find at www.stratovarius.com.

"We don´t know when this album 'R....... R' [two-word title, with both words beginning with the letter 'R'] will come out at this point, but sure thing is that not this year. Of course we will let you know when we know anything concrete. In the meantime, [Timo Kotipelto, vocals] and [Timo Tolkki, guitar] will be quite busy so you won't get bored."

Upcoming STRATOVARIUS shows:

May 22 - Osaka, JPN @ Big Cat
May 24 - Tokyo, JPN @ Liquid Room
May 25 - Tokyo, JPN @ Liquid Room (Finland Fest)
Jul. 14-15 - Vizovice, CZR @ Masters of Rock
Aug. 2-4 - Wacken, GER @ Wacken Open Air

STRATOVARIUS' last, self-titled effort was released in the U.S. in September 2005 via Sanctuary. A video for the album's first single, "Maniac Dance", was shot in April 2005 in Helsinki by director and Tolkki's old schoolmate Antti Jokinen (BEYONCÉ, WYCLEF JEAN, KORN, MISSY ELLIOT, NIGHTWISH, SHANIA TWAIN, CELINE DION).