The rejuvenated STRATOVARIUS, now featuring 25-year old Finnish guitarist Matias Kupiainen in place of former guitarist Timo Tolkki, have confirmed May 21st as the official release date for their forthcoming album, Polaris. It will be released via Edel's new sub-label, earMUSIC, in Europe and through JVC in Japan.

Keyboardist Jens Johansson has issued the following statement: "We are very happy to have found strong label partners for the new era of STRATOVARIUS who truly believe in the band and are as enthusiastic as we are. I can't wait to hit the road again and meet all fans who supported us through all our good and bad times."

Working song titles due to appear on Polaris include 'King Of Nothing', 'Eternal Life', 'Something Precious', 'I Am Blind' and 'Free Diving'. The album will feature 11 songs in total.

Stratovarius 2009 is Timo Kotipelto (vocals), Matias Kupiainen (guitars), Lauri Porra (bass), Jörg Michael (drums), Jens Johansson (keyboards).

As previously reported, Stratovarius have scheduled a string of North American dates in September/October. Tickets for the dates are now on sale at EnterTheVault.com exclusively through March 20th, when they will be available from standard ticket outlets.

Dates for the North American trek include:

September

16 - New York, NY - Nokia Theater
18 - Toronto, ON - Opera House
19 - Quebec City, QC - Imperial de Quebec
20 - Montreal, QC - Medley
21 - Boston, MA - Middle East
23 - Baltimore, MD - Sonar
24 - Cleveland, OH - Peabody's
25 - Mokena, IL - Pearl Room
27 - Winnipeg, MB - Garrick Centre
28 - Regina, SK - The Riddell at University
29 - Calgary, AB - Warehouse
30 - Edmonton, AB - Starlite Room

October

2 - Vancouver, BC - Plaza Club
3 - Victoria, BC - Sugar
4 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
6 - San Francisco, CA - The Grand Ballroom at the Regency
7 - Los Angeles, CA - Key Club

Stratovarius will hit the UK for a couple of exclusive European shows before starting into the festival season 2009.

Fans in the UK will be the very first to see them live in 2009 and witness Kupiainen’s introduction on stage. In addition to that Stratovarius will also perform one show in Warsaw, Poland at Progresja right after the Wacken Rocks festivals.

Confirmed dates:

May

15 - Wolverhampton, England - Wulfrun Hall
16 - Nottingham, England - Rock City
17 - Glasgow, Scotland - Cathouse
18 - London, England - Islington O2 Academy
19 - Manchester, England - Academy 2
20 - Dublin, Ireland - Button Factory
22 - Kreuth /Aurich, Germany - Wacken Rocks
23 - Kreuth / Aurich, Germany - Wacken Rocks
24 - Warzaw, Poland - Progresja
29 - Moscow, Russia - CDK MAI
30 - St. Petersburg, Russia - Glavclub

June

21 - Clisson, France - Hellfest

July

11 - Vizovice, Czech Republic - Masters of Rock

At the same time Stratovarius is running a competition for free tickets and meet & greets with the band. Head here for further details.