STRATOVARIUS: Returns in 2009 with the name Stratovarius

STRATOVARIUS has issued the following update on their official Myspace page:

"Live gigs and new album with Matias Kupiainen on guitar

Finnish melodic power metal legends Stratovarius are breaking the silence since guitar player Timo Tolkki left the band. They will return with a new studio album in 2009. It is a positive and powerful record that the band's fans all over the world are certain to take to their hearts.

'After Tolkki gave his blessing for us to go on without him, and after writing music together again this summer and a lot of thought, we have decided to carry the legacy of Stratovarius into the future', says Jens Johansson.

'We are all very excited about the record and about playing Stratovarius music live to our fans. We can't wait.', adds Timo Kotipelto.

The new guitar player is 25-year old Finnish guitar phantom Matias Kupiainen. Jörg Michael says, 'in Matias we found new character who fits perfectly with his way of melodic guitar shredding, he is a killer player, a 'Wunderkind' from Finland!'

The first two festival dates for 2009 have been confirmed already:
Wacken Rocks, Kreuth / Aurich, May 22, 2009
Wacken Rocks, Kreuth / Aurich, May 23, 2009

More 2009 festivals are planned and will be announced soon. These dates will be followed by a concert tour.
 
Stratovarius is:
Timo Kotipelto – vocals
Matias Kupiainen – guitars
Lauri Porra – bass
Jörg Michael – drums
Jens Johansson – keyboards
 
For tour updates and other news, go to http://www.stratovarius.com
Finnish media contact: taija@propromotion.fi
Finnish booking: jouko@karppanen.fi
Booking & management, rest of world: info@twisted-talent.com"