ALTARIA bassist Marko Pukkila has posted the following message on his web site:

"We hardly got the new ALTARIA album finished when I already started to work on new projects. I will record a track for a GUNS N' ROSES tribute that will be out in USA in April 2006. I will record 'Nighttrain' together with Keri Kelli (SLASH'S SNAKEPIT, WARRANT, RATT) on guitars, Joe Leste (BANG TANGO, BEAUTIFUL CREATURES) on vocals and Chad Stewart (FASTER PUSSYCAT) on drums. The guitars and drums are already recorded and the vocals will be recorded this weekend at Keri's studio. I will also start the recordings for another tribute album next week. I'm recording 'Dr. Feelgood' for a MÖTLEY CRÜE tribute together with Frankie Banali (W.A.S.P., QUIET RIOT) on drums, Keri Kelli and Erik Turner (WARRANT) on guitars. The singer for this track will be announced at a later stage. The MÖTLEY CRÜE tribute will be out sometime in 2006.

"Unfortunately all these tribute albums will only be released in the USA. I will though get some CDs that I can sell through my homepage, so keep your eyes open in the near future for more information."

In related news, ALTARIA guitarist J-P Alanen recently announced his departure from CELESTY, the band he was in for the past five years: "There were difficulties between CELESTY and the situation of my personal life," explained Alanen. "I'm concentrating more to my music studies, and also my musical taste, influences and attitudes have changed during the years. It was only a question of time. This decision won't affect to my playing in ALTARIA."

ALTARIA recently completed work on their third album, "The Fallen Empire" at the Black Lounge Studios in Sweden. Former DIO guitarist Rowan Robertson makes a guest appearance on a track called "The Lion" and keyboardist Henrik Klingenberg (SONATA ARCTICA, SILENT VOICES) is featured on a song called "The Dying Flame", which is an 8-minute epic. Other tracks set to appear on the CD include "Crucifix", "Abyss of Twilight", "Frozen Hearts" and "Disciples". An early 2006 release is expected.

ALTARIA released their sophomore album, "Divinity", in May 2004 through AOR Heaven sub-label Metal Heaven Records. "Divinity" was mixed at Tico Tico Studio (SONATA ARCTICA, SENTENCED, FOR MY PAIN…) and was initially made available as a limited-edition digipack, featuring one bonus track — a cover version of ACCEPT's classic "Balls To The Wall" (including a guest appearance by ex-LION'S SHARE singer Andy Engberg).