SYMFONIA Parts Ways With Drummer ULI KUSCH

SYMFONIA — the new melodic metal project featuring Timo Tolkki (STRATOVARIUS, REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE) on guitar, André Matos (ANGRA, SHAAMAN, VIPER) on vocals, Jari Kainulainen (STRATOVARIUS, EVERGREY) on bass, Mikko Härkin (SONATA ARCTICA, KOTIPELTO) on keyboards, and Uli Kusch (MASTERPLAN, HELLOWEEN) on drums — has issued the following update:

"We would like to thank all of you who have supported us and our 'In Paradisum' in the last months. We have received a very good response both in sales and in reviews for the album.

"We are sorry for the lack of news but we have had a good reason for the silence.
We have been waiting for our friend Uli to get better with his hand [after suffering from nerve damage]. We knew we took a risk in waiting, but we considered it best for the band. This is why there has not been any shows so far apart from Helsinki Metal Meeting in February.

"A few weeks ago, we received more news from Uli's doctors and they were very bad. They said that it is not likely that he could play drums this year at all. After talking with Uli and in mutual understanding, we agreed to continue SYMFONIA without him. It is a painful decision for all of us, but after Uli told us it is best for us to go on without him and not to wait anymore due to uncertain future with his hand, we decided to do this. And the truth is, we simply cannot wait any longer.

"We will do some shows with Alex Landenburg [AT VANCE, ANNIHILATOR, MEKONG DELTA, STRATOVARIUS] as a substitute drummer and then go straight to the studio to record a follow-up to 'In Paradisum' for March 2012 release. We already have a good idea how the album will be and we apologize to all those who have been waiting to see us live. Unfortunately, due to the impossible circumstances, it has not been possible, but we will correct this with the next album next year.

"We don't feel that it is the right move now to book more shows than these. We feel it is time for a new SYMFONIA album and then book the shows. We have a lot of time to do this now that the situation is clear with Uli.

"The shows are as follows [below]. Additional shows are still possible for Argentina, Chile, Colombia and some other Latin American countries. The agents are booking them at this very moment."

Jul. 06 - Helsinki, FIN @ Tavastia
Jul. 08 - FRA @ Sonisphere
Jul. 30 - Brasilia, BRA @ Porao do Rock
Jul. 31 - São Paulo, BRA @ Citibank Hall
Aug. 02 - Porto Alegre, BRA @ Bar Opiniao
Aug. 05 - Teresina, BRA @ [to be announced]
Aug. 06 - Sao Luis, BRA @ [to be announced]
Aug. 07 - Rio de Janeiro, BRA @ Fundição Progresso