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\nMarko Paasikoski, bassist for SONATA ARCTICA, has split with the band. He sites the fact that he wishes to explore other things as the option to be part of a touring band no longer exists. Replacing Paasikoski will be Winterborn bassist Pasi Kauppinen.<\/p>\n
The band will enter the studio in October to record the follow up to the latest album “Stones Grow Her Name” (see review here). The new release is targeted for a Spring 2014 release.<\/p>\n
The announcement reads: “It’s with much sadness and heavy hearts that we have to announce that our bass player for the past decade Marko Paasikoski is no longer in the band.”<\/p>\n
“States Marko:<\/p>\n
‘I have come to a situation in my life where being a part of a touring band is not an option for me anymore and it’s time to explore other things. I wish to thank all the fans and my bandmates for all the good times, great shows and adventures that we have had over the last decade.<\/p>\n
‘The memories from this time will stay with me forever but at the moment I don’t have the motivation or the passion that is required to be in the band so it’s better for all parties involved that we go our separate ways. I wish all the best for the guys ! -Marko’<\/p>\n
“We understand Marko’s decision and this is of course a thing that we have talked about during the last tour. We appreciate Marko being a stand up guy and finishing up the Stones Grow Her Name- World Tour. Thank you Marko for all these years and best of luck and fortunes with your future endeaveurs, we’ll miss you bro !!<\/p>\n
“Our new bass player is Pasi Kauppinen (Silent Voices, ex-Requiem, Winterborn). We’ve known him for many years and he has mixed both our DVDs as well as recorded parts of our last 3 studio albums. He will join the band starting with the upcoming album.<\/p>\n