U.K. melodic metallers POWER QUEST will be calling it quits in 2013.

Keyboardist and founding member Steve Williams commented as follows: "I've decided that now is the time to say that the QUEST is over. From a business perspective, it is getting harder and harder for us to break even. None of us make any money from POWER QUEST (we all work day jobs) but I have been losing significant amounts of money when on the road for the past few years. No matter how much you love something, there comes a point where you have to look at the facts, not the dream.

"I love nothing more than touring and making records, but if there isn't sufficient demand for the product then there comes a time when reality has to bite, unfortunately.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has supported me and POWER QUEST over the past 12 years.... It is very much appreciated and it is what has kept me going through the years. It's been a great ride and I've had the pleasure of having some great musicians in this band who I am proud to call my friends. Steve, Alessio, Andrea, Francesco, Rich, Paul, Andy, Gav, Colin, Chitty, Adam, Andre, Bill, Oliver, Gav Ward, ZP, Sam Totman, Pete and Ben... you guys have played such a huge role in making POWER QUEST what it has become and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

"My dream as a youngster was to make one album. It was not about being a rock star or making lots of money, although that would have been nice :-) It always has and always will be about the music first and foremost, so to have released five albums is way beyond anything I could have dreamt of, to be honest.

"Huge thanks to those who have done so much behind the scenes over the years as well, without whom it would have been immensely difficult for me. Step forward Manuela Fröhlich, Anna Walker, Simon Burrell and Sprocket.

"But it is you, the fans, who have joined the QUEST and supported the band through all the ups and downs over the years that I save my final words of thanks for. You guys have been inspirational to me! I've always said that POWER QUEST fans are the best in the world... and that is as true today as it has ever been. I hope you will understand my reasons for this decision and I hope to see as many of you as possible in the months and years to come.

"We will be looking to do a couple of farewell shows in 2013 and hopefully make them a fitting way for us to take our leave.

"It's never an easy thing to know when the time is right to move on to pastures new, but I believe that time is now.

"Through the wind and the rain we'll meet again..."

POWER QUEST's latest album, "Blood Alliance", was released last year via Napalm Records. Eleven songs were laid down at Foel Studios (PAUL RODGERS, NAPALM DEATH, THE WILDHEARTS) in Wales for the follow-up to 2008's "Master Of Illusion", including one bonus track. The CD cover artwork was once again designed by Felipe Machado (BLIND GUARDIAN, SILENT FORCE).