Remaining STRATOVARIUS members Timo Kotipelto (vocals), Jens Johansson (keyboards), Lauri Porra (bass) and Jörg Michael (drums) have officially recruited Finnish guitarist Matias Kupiainen to replace the group's founding member and main songwriter Timo Tolkki. The news of Kupiainen's addition to the band was broken exclusively by Petri Silas of Finland's Soundi magazine, who spoke to both Kotipelto and Kupiainen for the publication's August 2008 issue (available on newsstands as of August 20).

Matias Kupiainen (MySpace page) is a 25-year-old native of Helsinki who has studied music theory and music technology in places such as the esteemed Sibelius Academy. He is heavily involved in making music for the upcoming album and used to be a big STRATOVARIUS and power metal fan around 10 years ago. Kupiainen co-owns a recording studio and is currently finalizing two solo projects: FIST IN FETUS and SHRED CIRCUS.

Kupiainen was bassist Lauri Porra's "find." When Lauri played bass as a member of the house band at the release party for the "Guitar Heroes" album last November in Helsinki, he took notice of the then-unknown Kupiainen.

Kotipelto tells Soundi magazine that Matias is probably the best guitarist he has ever seen and a fine addition to the ranks. He also confirms the rumor that Tuomas Wäinölä from his solo band KOTIPELTO was considered for the spot. However, the idea was soon rejected as this would in effect mean the merger of the two bands (Lauri plays bass in both groups and Jens Johansson has subbed for KOTIPELTO's Janne Wirman every once in a while).

Kotipelto goes on to correct some rumors that have generated from and around Tolkki:

1) Contrary to what Tolkki has said, there will not be a new album release from STRATOVARIUS this fall featuring the band's early lineup.

2) The band's deal with Sanctuary was not worth the three million Tolkki claimed it was upon its signing.

3) Kotipelto's reluctance to do a "STRATOVARIUS farewell world tour" didn't stem from any resentment towards Tolkki, but from the fact that without consulting anyone, Tolkki allegedly decided by himself that the farewell jaunt should be done with Jari Kainulainen, not Lauri Porra, on bass.

However, Kotipelto's attitude towards Tolkki in the Soundi interview is generally very respectful. He goes on record as saying that Tolkki has made a number of excellent power metal songs and was the leader of STRATOVARIUS for many years because of his prowess as a producer and a songwriter.

Both Kupiainen and Kotipelto describe the new material to Soundi as more aggressive and progressive than the last albums made with Tolkki at the helm. They are looking forward to presenting the stuff to Jörg Michael in September as the fivesome will begin rehearsing and maybe recording for the next release.

So far, the name issue is yet to be decided, i.e. the situation is the same as it was a couple of months ago — the guys have not yet decided whether to continue using the name STRATOVARIUS for their new band. Some of the members want to, some of them don't, some would opt for the short version STRATO, and for some of them it doesn't make a difference one way or the other.

Soundi magazine (August 2008 issue):

Matias Kupiainen picture by Tina Solda:

Matias Kupiainen shredding:



(Thanks: Petri Silas / Soundi)