TIMO TOLKKI's 'Saana - Warrior Of Light' Leaked Online Following Production Master Theft

According to STRATOVARIUS guitarist Timo Tolkki, tracks from Tolkki's upcoming classical rock opera, "Saana - Warrior of Light Part 1: Journey to Crystal Island", have surfaced on various torrent sites shortly after the album's production master was stolen at a photo shoot in Helsinki, Finland.

Commented Tolkki: "We are trying to trace the originator, but it is really difficult. I am afraid that since the thief also has the production master, it might be that pirate copies will start to emerge very soon. If you (hopefully) don't want to support such activities, I would remind you people that the only place where you will get the MP3 album with goodies and the subsequent hard copies is www.theground.com that will be opened in few weeks."

Due in the spring via Italy's Frontiers Records, "Saana - Warrior of Light Part 1: Journey to Crystal Island" is a multimedia adventure containing almost one hour of music and comes with a full all region bonus DVD that contains the whole story in film format as well. It also has lots of other extras and a brand new interview of Timo Tolkki about his past, present and future. Featuring the talents of Jennifer Sowle, Aino Laos, Heikki Poyhiä and Janette Sainio, this album is a breathtaking experience of emotions. They were all carefully chosen for their respective roles and they enhance the musical journey in a way that hasn't really been heard before. Timo Tolkki calls it "a classical rock opera."

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.