As Finnish symphonic metallers Amberian Dawn prepare for the Out Of The Dark Tour which will also feature Van Canto, Tristania, Serenity and Xandria, the band has been hit by some unfortunate news. Guitarist Kasperi Heikkinen, drummer Heikki Saari and bassist Jukka Koskinen will have to be replaced on this tour.

As was posted on the band's MySpace page: "We're very sad to announce that one of our long time members, guitarist Kasperi Heikkinen, has injured his arm and has a neural damage on it. At the moment he's not able to play guitar at all. The doctors have said that the arm is most likely going to fully recover, but it might take some time. Kasperi is now getting all possible medical and psychiatric treatment for his hand and he's very motivated to get better. We all Amberian Dawn members are 100 - percent sure that Kasperi will recover from his arm injury and will come back to our line-up as soon as he's back in playing condition. We hope him strength and fast recovery."

"We also have other reasons, which prevent us touring with our current line-up on Out of the Dark -tour. Our drummer Heikki Saari can't participate due to family reasons and our bassist Jukka Koskinen will only be able to play with us the 5 last gigs in Germany because he's touring with Wintersun."

"But usually, when there's some misfortune, there's also some positive happenings too. We're lucky to get great replacements to step in on this tour: Our ex-drummer Joonas Pykälä-Aho and ex-guitarist Emil Pohjalainen will replace Heikki and Kasperi. Replacement for out bassist for the first 9 gigs is Aapo Lindberg. We warmly welcome these great musicians on board and we're really going to do great shows for you!"

Source:	myspace.com
Band profile:	Amberian Dawn