Metal Music Blog

Sad news from the world of power metal. Stratovarius, the Finnish power metal band and one of the leaders of the genre, has broken up. According to the press release of Timo Tolkki, Stratovarius no longer plays together. While the story of Stratovarius has come to its end, Timo Tolkki continues with his new band Revolution Renaissance.

According to Timo Tolkki, he decided to break up the band last October. The biggest reason for the break-up is the tension between Timo Tolkki, Timo Kotipelto and Jörn Michael. Timo Tolkki points out that his intention is not to disrespect the band members, but to make it clear why he decided split Stratovarius. “They are both fundamentally good guys. Things just sometimes happen and relationships go to directions we don’t want them to go. It’s like a divorce, nobody wants it to happen but sometimes it is best for all so everyone can continue their own lives“, says Timo Tolkki.

As many fans might know, the story of Stratovarius is absolutely great. As Timo Tolkki says, “we had amazing years, 14 records, 6 world tours with over a thousand shows all across the Globe, 3 gold discs, a Finnish Grammy and almost 3 million records sold. I have arrived to my decision after careful, long and rational thinking of over a year and I know it is the right way for me. I just felt so bad being in Stratovarius. Something was terribly wrong in there and nobody seemed to care“.

Difficulties started in 2005. Timo Tolkki had a nervous breakdown in 2004, after which things started to go wrong. Timo Tokki describes the situation in 2005 by sayin “The atmosphere at the rehearsals was awful. Lauri Porra who had just joined the band was wondering what is going on with this band. Jörg Michael came straight from Saxon to this tour wearing a Saxon shirt during most of the shows. His attitude for most of the tour was extremely arrogant, pretty much towards everybody. But especially towards me and TK (editorial note: TK=Timo Kotipelto). And TK’s attitude towards me was lukewarm and polite, but I could sense the hostility“.

In 2007 in Wacken festival Timo Tolkki realized there is no soul in the band anymore. He realized the time of Stratovarius is over. Timo Tolkki realized that he is keeping the band alive because of money, which did not make sense for him. He decided to split the band. I remember watching a YouTube video of Stratovarius playing in Wacken and thinking “man, they sound awful”. I was right, because Timo Tolkki felt the same on stage. It was a absolute horror, says Timo Tolkki.

As a gentleman Timo Tolkki says thanks you to other Stratovarius band members for all those years and wishes them all the best. Timo Tolkki is clearly looking forward to create music with his new band, and I am looking forward to hear it! Meanwhile you and I can listen to Timo Tolkki’s Saana - Warrior of Light, which sounds pretty epic.

One important power metal band is dead. I have listened Stratovarius since their early years and they have played important part in my CD shelf. I say good buy to Stratovarius. You guys provided me a number of great moments with your music. Thank you!

Let’s remember the glorious times of Stratovarius by listening to one of their masterpieces, Forever.

This post was written by Headbanger and its original location is in Metal-Music-Videos.Com blog. For more great metal music articles, please visit Metal-Music-Videos.Com!