Former REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE Bassist Says Split Was 'Mutual'

Former REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE bassist Justin Biggs has released the following statement regarding his departure from the group:

"I'm writing this statement of course in regards to the latest news from REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE. It's only been a few days and already I can see a storm on the horizon. So, I figured before things go any further I could take the time to reflect and clarify a few things.

"Playing in REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE was a great time and we shared many laughs. Like most bands, we had our ups and downs. Initially, this has been pretty strange as I was a bit confused given the circumstances.

"I was unaware of things that were to happen but aware that something was wrong for the past few months. Perhaps amidst the chaos everything was lost in translation. At any rate, I can say that the split (at least on my part) was 'mutual,' as I, personally, am into other music at this time and I am much more focused on [Justin's other band] DESCEND.

"I am very proud of 'Age of Aquarius', and for the most part, it saw REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE come into light as an actual band. It was a step the band needed to survive, much like this is the next step in things to come. Every member played just as an important role as the next; the chemistry in the band was perfect, and we all had a lot of fun making the album. I am really glad they will continue as a touring, recording band.

"To the remaining members in REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE, I can only say that I hope and wish the best for you guys and that you guys achieve the goals you are striving for. You guys deserve it and I hope it does work out.

"As for me, I will continue working with DESCEND. We have released an EP entitled 'The Reckoning', which I am very excited about! The new material is sounding great and we look forward to playing gigs and getting this machine rolling. 'The Reckoning' EP can be heard via our MySpace."

Former REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE keyboardist Michael Khalilov issued a statement last week slamming the band's mainman, ex-STRATOVARIUS leader Timo Tolkki, for allegedly failing to inform Khalilov and Biggs that they were no longer members of the group.

Tolkki released a statement on Thursday (October 8) indicating that REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE had parted ways with Biggs and Khalilov due to musical differences. "During the recordings of [the second REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE album], 'Age of Aquarius', it became evident to everybody that REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE was not the right band for the guys," Tolkki wrote in the statement. "Justin is more of a thrash guy and Mike expected the music to be something totally different. Out of these reasons the decision has been made that it is better to go separate ways. Both are great guys and the remaining members — Timo Tolkki [guitar], Gus Monsanto [vocals] and Bruno Agra [drums] — wish them well and best of luck on their musical endeavors."

In a posting on the official STRATOVARIUS forum, Khalilov insisted that he learned that he learned he was no longer a member of REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE via the Internet and claimed that he was never directly informed of his dismissal from the group.

"You know, Tolkki sure has a great method of firing people," the keyboardist wrote. "He ignores Biggs and I for THREE MONTHS, cancels European SONATA ARCTICA tour, and now we read this statement (which we are as shocked to read as you all are). Great way to get fired, eh? It's very similar in a way to how Tarja [Turunen] found out she was thrown out [from NIGHTWISH]."

He added, "I've sent numerous emails to [Tolkki] for three months, [and had] not [gotten] one word [back] from him. Maybe he 'assumed' that we knew we were out, but why on earth would anyone assume that they were fired if they did absolutely nothing wrong?"

REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE recently signed a three-album deal with Napalm Records.

The remaining members of the band have been writing new material "for many months now" and you can expect the follow-up to "Age Of Aquarius" sometime next year.

Recorded over three months in Finland, REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE's sophomore album, "Age Of Aquarius", was released in March 2009 via Scarlet Records. It was described in a press release as "by far the darkest, heaviest and most symphonic album that Tolkki has ever been involved in."

"Age Of Aquarius" was released on March 25 in Southeast Asia via JVC. The band also filmed a promotional video in Helsinki for the album's title track.