Sonata Arctica have just announced that their long-time member and bassist Marko Paasikoski is leaving the band. The band expressed much gratitude to him for completing their last tour, despite his wish to quit touring. Sonata Arctica have also announced a new bass player - Pasi Kauppinen (Silent Voices, ex-Requiem (FIN), Winterborn), whom they had known for many years. Pasi mixed both of their DVDs, and recorded several parts for their last 3 studio albums. He will fully join the band starting with the upcoming album.

Both Pasi and Sonata Arctica will start rehearsing in September and enter the studio in October. The new studio album will be out next spring with a world tour to follow.

States Marko: "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. 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"

Source:	sonataarctica.info
Band profile:	Sonata Arctica