Remaining STRATOVARIUS Members Recruit New Guitarist, Begin Work On New Material

In the latest issue of Finland's Soundi magazine, Petri Silas speaks exclusively to remaining STRATOVARIUS members Timo Kotipelto (vocals), Jens Johansson (keyboards) and Lauri Porra (bass) about their split with guitarist and main composer Timo Tolkki and the band's future.

The interview was conducted just as the guys were heading out to a Lappajärvi summer cottage to work on new material. They were accompanied by their newest bandmate, a young Finnish guitarist whose name has not yet been revealed.

If all goes well, the foursome will enter the studio (most likely in Finland) at the end of 2008 to begin recording a new album for a 2009 release.

At this point, the guys have not yet decided whether to continue using the name STRATOVARIUS for their new band. Some of the members want to, some of them don't, and for some of them it doesn't make a difference one way or the other.

Commented Jens: "I have approximately 15 songs in the works and as the others are bringing in a good handful of ideas, we are looking at a total of 20 rough songs to work on."

Added Lauri: "The main thing right now is that we are working on new stuff together and the mood amongst us is extremely good."

Kotipelto stated: "And it should be noted that Jörg Michael [drums] is still part of the band as well."

Timo Tolkki drew up and signed an official waiver on May 20, 2008 giving up all rights to the STRATOVARIUS name. "Although both moral and legal rights I own would easily grant me the rights to prevent the guys using the name STRATOVARIUS, I am going to do the opposite," he wrote in a letter explaining his decision. "I am going to give them full perpetual rights to the name and also I do not want to receive any money regarding record sales of the back catalogue or possible new products in which I am involved. Ever. You will find this letter that has been mailed to the STRATOVARIUS management with this statement. Simply, I dont want to have anything to do with that name in its present form, Jörg Michael, Timo Kotipelto and Jens Johansson ever again. The old records and their message speak for themselves. So the guys are free to use the name. I am doing this with a clear mind that everything that you put to the universe returns to you. And above all, I refuse to co-operate, negotiate or have anything to do with what I consider to be evil. And here is the very corporate money making machine in its full force exploiting the name, like it could really have the same meaning without me."