STRATOVARIUS

Former STRATOVARIUS singer Timo Kotipelto has completed work on his second solo album, tentatively due in the spring through Century Media Records.

The as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2002's “Waiting For The Dawn” (issued under the KOTIPELTO banner) reportedly features “more or less the same” recording lineup as that on the debut, which featured contributions from Mike Romeo (guitars, SYMPHONY X), Roland Grapow (guitars, MASTERPLAN/ex-HELLOWEEN), Arjen Lucassen (guitars, AYREON), Sami Virtanen (guitars, JOE DOAKES), Jari Kainulainen (bass, STRATOVARIUS), Mirka Rantanen (drums, TUNNEL VISION), Gas (drums, H.I.M.), Janne Warman (keyboards, CHILDREN OF BODOM) and Mikko Harkin (keyboards, SONATA ARCTICA).

Commenting recently on his departure from STRATOVARIUS, Kotipelto said, “I know a lot of fans are sad about this situation. And I really am SORRY about it. There are a lot of things in the world that I alone can't control… One thing is for sure, it's not about money. The problems are somewhere else.” Regarding his final appearance with STRATOVARIUS at the upcoming Piorno Rock festival in Spain on February 28, Kotipelto said, “Unfortunately, yes, I have to [play this show]. I have signed the contract [committing to doing the gig]. But I try to give my best to the fans. I don't care what happens at the backstage…”