STRATOVARIUS keyboardist Jens Johansson has checked in with the following update:

"The promo copies of Polaris are out to the critics, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. There is some additional information we would like to provide, because due to a mishap, the writer's credits did not make it onto the promo copies.

But fear not, here they are:

Stratovarius - Polaris

1. 'Deep Unknown': (Matias Kupiainen/Timo Kotipelto)

2. 'Falling Star': (Lauri Porra/Lauri Porra)

3. 'King of Nothing': (Jens Johansson/Jens Johansson)

4. 'Blind': (Jens Johansson/Jens Johansson)

5. 'Winter Skies': (Jens Johansson/Jens Johansson)

6. 'Forever is Today': (Lauri Porra/Lauri Porra)

7. 'Higher We Go': (Timo Kotipelto, Matias Kupiainen/Timo Kotipelto)

7. 'Somehow Precious': (Timo Kotipelto, Matias Kupiainen/Timo Kotipelto)

9. 'Emancipation Suite part I': Dusk (Lauri Porra/Lauri Porra)

10. 'Emancipation Suite part II': Dawn (Lauri Porra/Lauri Porra)

11. 'When Mountains Fall': (Lauri Porra/Lauri Porra)

Japanese Bonus Track: 'Second Sight' (Matias Kupiainen/Timo Kotipelto)

Without the bonus track the album is about 55 minutes long. 'Second Sight' is 4 and a half minutes long, so the Japanese get about an hour of music (before you complain that the Japanese get more, remember that they have to pay almost 27 dollars for a CD even if they go straight into a store and buy it).

Also, we have some links where you can order the album online here."

As previously reported, BW&BK; recently received the following press release:

BraveWords.com has received the following press release:

For over twenty years, STRATOVARIUS has played a substantial part of crafting a new sound, mining into the core of metal and adding the elements of a classical symphony. This has made them one of the most well-known symphonic metal bands worldwide, and Armoury Records (a division of Eagle Rock Entertainment) is proud to present Polaris, their new studio album being released stateside May 26.

Their name says it all – a contraction of “Stradivarius” (a high-quality stringed instrument found in orchestras) and one of hard rock’s favorite companions, the “Stratocaster.” Pioneers of progressive metal, Stratovarius blends rock influences with neo-classical passion for a sound so epic and bombastic, that they helped define an entire genre. As such, this heavy-hitting eruption of an album is a collection of eleven songs that thrive with powerful melodies, sophisticated arrangements, and supreme technical prowess. Vocalist Timo Kotipelto explains, “Polaris is a positive, powerful album that Stratovarius fans all over the world are certain to take to their hearts.” A unique blend of rock anthems and heavy fist pumpers, Polaris is a take on metal that is fresh and compelling, sophisticated yet brimming with strength and fire. Polaris was recorded in the fall 2008 at Hästholmen and 5by5 studios, in Helsinki, Finland. It was mixed by the legendary Mikko Karmila, who has a long history with the band. They hid themselves in a secluded cottage in the forests of Finland to focus on making the perfect record, and emerged with not only Polaris, but also a positive new outlook on the direction of their career.

The real power behind this record is that it comes from a band that has seen its ups and down. Formed in Finland in 1984, Stratovarius treaded a tumultuous path on their journey, facing obstacles that should have sidelined the band. After a history of numerous line-up changes, financial problems, and legal woes, Polaris is the opus of a band rising from the ashes of a broken road, claiming their status as rock survivors yet again.

With the addition of new guitarist Matias Kupiainen, Stratovarius (vocalist Timo Kotipelto, bassist Lauri Porra, drummer Jörg Michael, and keyboardist Jens Johansson) are ready to dominate the progressive metal empire. They will hit the road in May, embarking on an international tour that starts in Europe and ends in the States. This includes a stop at the renowned Wacken Rocks festival.

Tracklisting: 'Deep Unknown', 'Falling Star', 'King Of Nothing', 'Blind', 'Winter Skies', 'Forever Is Today', 'Higher We Go', 'Somehow Precious', 'Emancipation Suite I: Dusk', 'Emancipation suite II: Dawn', 'When Mountains Fall'.

Stratovarius tour 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

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