ANDERS JOHANSSON Quits STRATOVARIUS

Drummer Anders Johansson (HAMMERFALL) has officially left STRATOVARIUS less than a week after joining the group.

The following is STRATOVARIUS' leader Timo Tolkki's statement regarding the Anders' departure:

"[Anders] gave me a call and said that he doesn't want to join the band permanently and that he is happy to be in HAMMERFALL playing True Metal.

"Since I am looking for a permanent member, we agreed in good spirits to go separate ways.

"I am very disappointed that he didn't want to join STRATOVARIUS permanently, but at the same time I wish him and the HAMMERFALL guys well and best of luck with their career.

"I suspect that the decision of Anders has something to do with my reputation. I can understand him very well, I wouldn't join a band in which I would be playing in.

"I have already contacted a Finnish drummer and I hope I can announce his name very soon."

"In Metal, Timo Tolkki"