Timo Tolkki
Timo Tapio Tolkki (born 3 March 1966) is a Finnish musician best known as the former guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer of the power metal band Stratovarius. After leaving Stratovarius he formed two supergroups named Revolution Renaissance and Symfonia, both of which have since disbanded. In a 2011 article by Guitar World magazine, Tolkki was included in the all-time top 50 list of the world's fastest guitarists.
Also recorded as Tolkki
Timo Tolkki

Photo by Matthias 'mattness' Bauer / Bright Eyes Magazine · http: pos=9 · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Full name
- Timo Tapio Tolkki.
- Born
- 1966. · Nurmijärvi.
- Nationality
- Finland.
- Occupation
- record producer, guitarist, singer, musician, composer and lyricist.
- Fields
- heavy metal music.
- Languages
- English and Finnish.
VALÉORINE Encyclopedia
VALÉORINE documentary reading
Documentary summary
Timo Tapio Tolkki (born 3 March 1966) is a Finnish musician best known as the former guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer of the power metal band Stratovarius. After leaving Stratovarius he formed two supergroups named Revolution Renaissance and Symfonia, both of which have since disbanded. In a 2011 article by Guitar World magazine, Tolkki was included in the all-time top 50 list of the world's fastest guitarists.
Admitted source layer · organised and presented by VALÉORINE
Note VALÉORINE
Timo Tolkki (born 1966) is a Finnish composer, guitarist and lyricist, among other activities. The composer was born Timo Tapio Tolkki in Nurmijärvi.
Timo Tolkki is a member of Avalon, Revolution Renaissance and Stratovarius, among others. The composer is active in heavy metal music.
Genres include power metal. Languages used include English and Finnish.
Composed from admitted, traceable facts · 26 September 2026
VALÉORINE
Reference Check
Propose documentary evidence for Timo Tolkki. A contribution is never written directly as fact: identity, source, rights and evidence gates still decide.
Sign in to contribute
World of VALÉORINE
Documentary connections
Only confirmed graph relationships appear here. Images are shown only when their identity and reuse rights both pass the documentary gate.
Documentary evidence
Evidence Panel
original value insufficient · checked 25 September 2026
- Identity
- resolved
- Independent source families
- 0
- Admitted assertions
- 0
- Open conflicts
- 0
Authority files
wikidata · Q380304 · wikipedia · Timo Tolkki
In this article
Early years and Stratovarius
Early years and Stratovarius
He was also listed as the 84th greatest heavy metal guitarist of all time by the same publication in 2004.
Tolkki started playing guitar at the age of seven and practiced intensely, sometimes eight hours a day. When he was twelve years old, his father committed suicide by jumping from the fourth floor of his apartment. Before joining Stratovarius in 1984, Tolkki had played with the bands Antidote, Thunder and Road Block. At the beginning of his career with Stratovarius, he served as vocalist as well as handling all lead and rhythm guitars, and at times bass guitar (until Jari Kainulainen's arrival in 1993). After the band's third album, Dreamspace (1994), Tolkki handed over vocal duties to Timo Kotipelto, who took over from Fourth Dimension (1995) onwards. This was largely due to Tolkki's desire to evolve the overall musical direction of the band and concentrate on his guitar work. Further changes were made after Dreamspace, including the departure of the remaining original members of the band, keyboardist Antti Ikonen and drummer Tuomo Lassila, due to creative differences. In 1994, Tolkki released his first solo album, Classical Variations and Themes, which had at the time been one of his longtime ambitions. The album was similar to his work with Stratovarius, but with more focus on primarily instrumental compositions. His second solo album, Hymn to Life (2002) showed a more personal side, dealing with such emotional issues as his relationship with God and his late father. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2004, following a nervous breakdown which occurred some months after Stratovarius acrimoniously disbanded. After a period of rehabilitation, he went on to make a full recovery later that year and subsequently opened his own recording studio named Goldenworks. A final self-titled album with Stratovarius was released in 2005, after which he announced his departure from the band in 2008. Upon leaving he decided to waive the legal rights to the name. He later claimed this was done as a protest due to the remaining members deciding to continue the band as Stratovarius.
Revolution Renaissance
Revolution Renaissance
Tolkki's next project was an album described as a rock opera, named Saana – Warrior of Light Pt 1. Released on 14 March 2008, it featured a number of guest vocalists, including soprano Jennifer Sowle in the lead role, as well as Heikki Pöyhiä of Twilightning. Also in 2008, he founded a band called Revolution Renaissance, which released three albums between 2008 and 2010.
Symfonia
Symfonia
In 2010, Symfonia was formed as a power metal supergroup comprising Tolkki, singer André Matos, keyboardist Mikko Härkin, drummer Uli Kusch and former Stratovarius bandmate Jari Kainulainen. They made their debut performance at the 2011 Finnish Metal Expo and later released their only studio album, In Paradisum, but in December of that year Tolkki announced the discontinuation of the band, and subsequently his retirement from the music industry. In March 2012, Tolkki stated on his Facebook profile (and official Symfonia page) that although he had left the music business, he hadn't given up on music altogether: "With all the tools available for us today to release music, you will hear something interesting from me". Later he released a mock album cover entitled Classical Variations and Themes Vol 2, suggesting a new solo album. On 10 April 2012 he released a new instrumental track named "Dinner with Paganini", which was made available as a free download through PledgeMusic, as well as a revised name for a potential new album, Classical Variations and Themes II: Credo. However, on 26 July, he announced the cancellation of the project.
Avalon Metal Opera
Avalon Metal Opera
On 8 January 2013, Tolkki announced the opening of a new mixing and mastering studio named Studiotolkki, located in Helsinki, Finland. In February 2013, Timo announced his new project, Avalon, featuring a group of guest musicians such as Michael Kiske (Unisonic, Helloween), Sharon den Adel (Within Temptation), Elize Ryd (Amaranthe), Russell Allen (Symphony X, Adrenaline Mob, Star One), Rob Rock (Impellitteri, M.A.R.S.), Tony Kakko (Sonata Arctica), Jens Johansson (Stratovarius, Yngwie Malmsteen), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) and Alex Holzwarth (Rhapsody of Fire). The album, released on 17 May 2013, follows a story set in a post-apocalyptic future. In 2055, Earth has been almost destroyed by natural catastrophes, and a small group of survivors decide to set off a journey to find a sacred place known as The Land of New Hope. In October 2013 Timo launched a news website for the project in which he announced the sequel to The Land of New Hope, which was provisionally titled Avalon II. The cast of guest musicians will be revealed one by one. Simone Simons of Epica fame is the first confirmed singer. Floor Jansen will play the leading role. It was also announced that Timo's former bandmates in Stratovarius, drummer Tuomo Lassila and keyboardist Antti Ikonen will play on this album. A European tour was planned for May 2014, coinciding with the release of the album. On 28 January, Timo revealed title of the album (Angels of the Apocalypse) and the rest of the cast: Fabio Lione (Rhapsody of Fire, Angra), David DeFeis (Virgin Steele), Elize Ryd (Amaranthe) and Caterina Nix. Timo also announced that there will be a contest for guitar and keyboard players, with the winners getting a chance to perform a solo with him in one of the songs. In June 2019, Timo Tolkki released the third part of the Avalon trilogy, the album Return to Eden, with the main working song, "Promises". In 2021, Timo Tolkki releases his new solo album with "Infinite Visions" project's songs, called "Union Magnetica", as the fourth Avalon album, which is called "The Enigma Birth", with many musicians as guests. The new metal opera album has the main working songs "Master of Hell" and "The Fire and the Sinner".
Allen/Lande
Allen/Lande
On 24 July 2013, Tolkki announced via his Facebook page (among a statement regarding Stratovarius) that he would be the producer, mixer and songwriter for a new album of the duo Allen/Lande, composed of Symphony X vocalist Russell Allen and Norwegian singer Jørn Lande. The album The Great Divide was released on 17 October in Europe and 21 October 2014 in North America.
Chaos Magic
Chaos Magic
In May 2015, it was announced that Timo would produce and perform in a project with Chilean singer Caterina Nix titled Chaos Magic. Caterina and Timo met in Chile when Stratovarius was performing there. She would later guest sing in Avalon's second album, Angels of the Apocalypse. Their first, self-titled album is set for a 3 July release in Europe. In June 2015 they released their first videos: a video for the song "I'm Alive", and two lyric videos for "One Drop of Blood" and "A Little Too Late".
Playing style
Playing style
From the period spanning Stratovarius' first three albums, Tolkki's guitar playing was more progressive and heavy. During this time he preferred E♭ tuning, with his compositions often bearing a dark and unnerving tonal quality (particularly on Dreamspace). Following Timo Kotipelto's arrival as lead singer, Tolkki's style shifted gradually more towards the traditionally speedy and melodic format of power metal, with an emphasis on such elements as neoclassical phrasing and fast alternate picking.
Personal life
Personal life
Tolkki has been married three times. He has one daughter from his second marriage, born in 1988. Since 2000, Tolkki has been in a relationship with Dominika Gottová, eldest daughter of Czech singer Karel Gott. They got married in 2010. Gottová filed for divorce in December 2019, but the proceedings were halted in November 2020 after the couple decided to reconcile. In November 2023, Tolkki was convicted by the Helsinki District Court for fraudulently claiming income support in 2020. He received a 45-day suspended prison sentence and was ordered to pay €3,063 to Kela.
As singer and guitarist
As singer and guitarist
1989: Fright Night 1992: Twilight Time (Stratovarius II) 1994: Dreamspace
As guitarist
As guitarist
1995: Fourth Dimension 1996: Episode 1997: Visions 1998: Destiny 1999: The Chosen Ones 2000: Infinite 2001: Intermission 2003: Elements Pt. 1 2003: Elements Pt. 2 2005: Stratovarius 2006: Black Diamond: The Anthology
Solo albums
Solo albums
1994: Classical Variations and Themes 2002: Hymn to Life 2008: Saana – Warrior of Light Pt 1 2022: We Are The Revolution - Single 2023: Renaissance Acoustica 2024: Classical Variations and Themes II: Ultima Thule
Revolution Renaissance
Revolution Renaissance
2008: New Era 2009: Age of Aquarius 2010: Trinity
Symfonia
Symfonia
2011: In Paradisum
Timo Tolkki's Avalon
Timo Tolkki's Avalon
2013: The Land of New Hope 2014: Angels of the Apocalypse 2019: Return to Eden 2021: The Enigma Birth
Allen/Lande
Allen/Lande
2014: The Great Divide
Chaos Magic (Caterina Nix feat. Timo Tolkki)
Chaos Magic (Caterina Nix feat. Timo Tolkki)
2015: Chaos Magic
Other appearances
Other appearances
1998: Edguy – Vain Glory Opera (guitar solo on "Out of Control") 2001: Avantasia – The Metal Opera (vocals on "The Tower") 2002: Avantasia – The Metal Opera Part II (guitar solo on "The Seven Angels" and "Into the Unknown") 2002: Thunderstone – Thunderstone (guitar solo on "Like Father, Like Son") 2003: Gimmel – Kaksi kertaa enemmän 2010: Beto Vázquez Infinity – Existence (guitar solo on "Existence") 2013: Dreamtale – World Changed Forever (guitar solo on "The End of Our Days") 2014: Ring of Fire – Battle of Leningrad 2024: Ërendil – Songs of Ancient Magic
Books
2010: Loneliness of a Thousand Years 2012: Golden Handbook of Recording Heavy Metal Music 2020: Hymni elämälle – Stratovarius-kitaristin tarina ("Hymn to Life – The Story of a Stratovarius Guitarist") 2020: Golden Handbook of Recording Heavy Metal Music – Update
Notes from the source article
Cited by Wikipedia
Notes from the source article
These works are cited by the source article, in its own numbering. They are recorded as its citations, not as sources VALÉORINE has verified.
- 1.Salon Seudun Sanomat. Stratovarius rumbles our in the big wide world. Kapsi. 17 April 1997.
- 2.Guitar World Staff (17 September 2011). "50 Fastest Guitarists of All Time ". Guitar World. NewBay Media. Retrieved 2012-07-31.
- 3.Blabbermouth. GUITAR WORLD's 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists Of All Time. BLABBERMOUTH.NET. 2004-01-23.
- 4."Timo Tolkki". MySpace. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
- 5.Tolkki, Timo (2010). Loneliness of a Thousand Years. Finland. p. 4. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
- 6.Tolkki, Timo (24 July 2013). "I want to thank everyone who answered to my simple...". Facebook. Retrieved 2013-11-05.
- 7."Former Stratovarius, Helloween, Andra Members Join Forces In Symfonia". Blabbermouth. 8 November 2010. Retrieved 2012-07-31.
- 8.Tolkki, Timo (13 January 2012). Guitarist Tolkki – "About My Retirement From Music Business" . Metal From Finland. Retrieved 2012-07-31.
- 9."Wall Photos". Facebook. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
- 10."Timo Tolkki – Dinner with Paganini". PledgeMusic. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
- 11.Tolkki, Timo (26 July 2012). "Canceling the pledge campaign". PledgeMusic. Retrieved 2012-07-31.
- 12."Former Stratovarius Mainman Timo Tolkki Opens Mixing And Mastering Studio". Blabbermouth. 8 January 2013. Retrieved 2013-01-09.
- 13.Frontiers Records. THE LAND OF NEW HOPE – The new Metal Opera. 26 February 2013 cbignore.
- 14.Launch of AVALON II. Avalon Opera.com. 5 October 2013.
- 15.First singer for Avalon II revealed!. Avalon Opera.com. 7 October 2013.
- 16.Floor Jansen is the main vocalist on Avalon II, the album and European tour planned for May 2014. Avalon Opera.com. 9 December 2013.
- 17.Tuomo Lassila Videogreeting. Avalon Opera.com.
- 18.Keyboardist Antti Ikonen joins Avalon line up and the Recordings of the new Avalon album start. Avalon Opera.com. 22 November 2013.
- 19.Facebook. Timo Tolkki's Avalon reveals the album title and the rest of the cast. Timo Tolkki's Avalon official profile. 28 January 2014 cbignore.
- 20.TIMO TOLKki's New Album – AVALON – 'RETURN TO EDEN' to be Released 14th June | HEAVY Magazine. 4 May 2019.
- 21.TIMO TOLKki's AVALON: 'Promises' Video Released. 23 April 2019.
- 22.TIMO TOLKki's AVALON : 'The Enigma Birth' – Fourth Album in Metal Opera Series from Finnish Guitar Maestro. 13 April 2021.
- 23.Blabbermouth. Allen Lande new album. 18 September 2014.
- 24.TIMO TOLKKI Creates CHAOS MAGIC With Chilean Singer CATERINA NIX. Blabbermouth.net. 11 May 2015.
- 25.Chaos Magic Feat. Ex-Stratovarius Guitarist Timo Tolkki Chilean Singer Caterina Nix: 'I'm Alive' Video. Blabbermouth.net. 12 June 2015.
- 26.Chaos Magic Feat. Ex-Stratovarius Guitarist Timo Tolkki Chilean Singer Caterina Nix: 'One Drop Of Blood' Song Streaming. Blabbermout.net. 17 June 2015.
- 27.Chaos Magic feat. ex-Stratovarius guitarist Timo Tolkki, chilean singer Caterina Nix: 'a little too late' song streaming. Blabbermouth.net. 23 June 2015.
- 28."Nina Tolkki". Facebook. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- 29.Kitaristi Timo Tolkki tilittää päättynyttä suhdetta meksikolaislaulajaan: Käytti hyväkseen saadakseen kuuluisuutta! | Seiska. 20 April 2020.
- 30.Životní houpačka Gottovy nejstarší dcery: Táta ji zapřel, tajně se vdala a bojovala s nemocí!. August 2019.
- 31.Překvapivá slova Dominiky Gottové z Finska: Rozvod s Timem nebude! Co ji přesvědčilo?!. 9 November 2020.
- 32."Ex-Stratovarius Guitarist Timo Tolkki Gets Suspended Prison Sentence for Fraud and Forgery". Blabbermouth. 13 November 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
- 33.TIMO TOLKki's AVALON to Release 'Return to Eden' Album in June. 15 April 2019.
- 34.TIMO TOLKki's AVALON – the Enigma Birth – CD Jewelcase.
- 35.Kirja: Timo Tolkki (Anssi Eriksson & Timo Tolkki), Minerva Kustannus Oy. Minervakustannus.fi. 27 December 2018.
References
Citations
References
Each reference names the institution holding it, so a reader may go to the document itself.
reference work
Partially resolvedreference work
Partially resolved
The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 14 August 2026.
Elsewhere in Music memorabilia
42,307 published records in this field, each with its sources named.
- Timmy ThomasPerson
- Timo MaasPerson
- Timo RosePerson
- Timo SteinerPerson
- Timofei DokshizerPerson
- Timofey MayakinPerson
- Timofiy BilohradskyPerson
- Timon AltweggPerson
Best supported in this field
For owners
Own a work by Timo Tolkki?
A specialist will read what you send and tell you what the house can establish, what it cannot, and whether the object is suited to sale. There is no charge and no obligation. The object stays with you throughout; nothing is shipped to us unless it is arranged in writing beforehand.