Finnish melodic death/black metallers NORTHER have released the following statement:

"We hereby announce after a long and careful consideration that we have decided to quit NORTHER.

"During the last year, it has become clear that we are not able to tour or do shows as much as we would want to, this being due to members' complicated and time-consuming life situations. We have been forced to find session members and turn down too many gig offers. We simply cannot act as an active and working band and it is clear that these issues are not solved in the future.

"This is everything but an easy decision for all of us, but all this have taken the band to the point that pulling the plug is the right thing to do. There is no drama, this is a mutual decision and we all remain as good friends.

"The last show of NORTHER will be on the 10th of August at Brutal Assault festival 2012 (Czech Republic).

"However, most of us will continue in other bands: Jukka [Koskinen, bass] in WINTERSUN and AMBERIAN DAWN, Aleksi [Sihvonen, vocals] in MEDICATED and ASXX, Daniel [Freyberg, guitar] in NAILDOWN, Heikki [Saari, drums] in NAILDOWN, TUONI and AMBERIAN DAWN, and Kristian [Ranta, guitar] in his solo project.

"NORTHER would like to thank especially our FANS, friends and partners for their support for the past 12 years. Also great hails goes to Tomi Luoma, our ex-members Toni Hallio and Petri Lindroos, and producer Anssi Kippo for their contribution. It has been one hell of a ride and together we shared truly unforgettable moments!!"

NORTHER's latest album, "Circle Regenerated", entered the official chart in Finland at position No. 22. The follow-up to 2008's "N" marked the recording debut of vocalist Aleksi Sihvonen.

NORTHER was founded in 2000 and has released six full-length albums, two EPs, a DVD, four singles and the soundtrack to the Finnish film "V2". The band has done extensive touring with such acts as DIMMU BORGIR, HYPOCRISY, TURISAS and FINNTROLL.