From the Official Homepage:

Statement from Timo Tolkki regarding the departure of Anders Johansson:

"He gave me a call and said that he doesn´t want to join the band permanently and that he is happy to be in Hammerfall playing True Metal.

Since I am looking for a permanent member, we agreed in good spirits to go separate ways.

I am very disappointed that he didn´t want to join STRATOVARIUS permanently, but at the same time I wish him and the Hammerfall guys well and best of luck with their career.

I suspect that the decision of Anders has something to do with my reputation. I can understand him very well, I wouldn´t join a band in which I would be playing in.

I have already contacted a Finnish drummer and I hope I can announce his name very soon."

In Metal, Timo Tolkki

Band profile:

Stratovarius