DARK FUNERAL Parts Ways With Drummer

Guitarist Lord Ahriman of Swedish black metallers DARK FUNERAL has issued the following update:

"Recently, you could read about Nils 'Dominator' Fjellström's departure from AEON due to personal/private reasons. Today we can confirm that he'll no longer be part of DARK FUNERAL either. And just like AEON, we won't comment on this subject any further.

"With that being said, I/we see no reason to waste any time here. Besides a new vocalist, we are currently looking for a new drummer, too.

"If you do believe that you have what it takes for the job, please send us a brief introduction and some audio/video files/links of your performance to: [email protected].

"With the recent departures from the band I/we understand if this may cause some worries and/or confusion amongst you all, but you can be rest assured that everything is under total control! It's not like anyone have left the band on bad terms, but unfortunately, sometimes things like this is inventible, and needs to happen to secure the survival of a band. And there is absolutely no doubt in my/our mind that once the new lineup is complete. We will be a stronger and better band than ever.

"Musically, we will continue in the same paths. I'm still main responsible for all the songwritings, including the drums. So you have nothing to worry about there. However, a new lineup will naturally color the sound in some ways, but I'm totally confident that it will only be for the better.

"I've recently started writing and demoing new stuff in my home studio. And just like I (and Chaq Mol) did when I/we worked on the pre-production for 'Angelus Exuro pro Eternus', I'm not only nailing down the guitar parts, I'm also programming the drums. So far it sounds totally fucking killer (of course!). However, at this point it's obviously still too early to say in what direction we'll be heading with the new material/album. We'll keep everything wide open until the new lineup is complete. And once complete, we'll continue to work on the new album as a full band. And this time I hope that everyone will be able to contribute with some killer material to make this to the best and strongest DARK FUNERAL album to date!"

Bassist B-Force recently left DARK FUNERAL. The band has already found "a new and totally amazing bassist; a bassist who lives and breathes DARK FUNERAL in its purest form," according to Lord Ahriman. "We will, however, wait until everything is settled before we present him to all of you, so please be patient."

DARK FUNERAL played its final show with vocalist Magnus "Masse" Broberg (a.k.a. Emperor Magus Caligula) on August 21, 2010 at the Summer Breeze festival in Dinkelsbühl, Germany. "Since this was a very special performance in many ways, we not only put on our biggest pyro show ever, we also captured this gig with 10 cameras (including one crane)," said Lord Ahriman. "So you can be sure to expect a DVD release from this killer show in the near future."

Broberg announced his departure from DARK FUNERAL in July, explaining that "my life has taken a new turn lately, and I am also getting married this year, whereof my priorities in life lie somewhere else." Guitarist and founding member Lord Ahriman added, "I understand when people change course and get new priorities in life. And I fully respect that. Life moves on, after all, and so will DARK FUNERAL.

"Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus", the latest album from DARK FUNERAL, was released in North America on January 26, 2010 via Regain Records. The CD, which was made available in most European countries between November 18, 2009 and November 27, 2009, was recorded at Abyss Studio in Grangärde, Sweden with famed engineer and legendary producer Peter Tägtgren (PAIN, HYPOCRISY). Nine songs are featured on the effort, which is being described in a press release as "the band's most technical and varied album to date. And while still being true to their roots, they have taken a great step forward in the evolution of their brand of fine Swedish black metal. 'Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus' is, from the very beginning to the end, a hell ride you simply don't want to miss!"

The "Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus" cover artwork was created by Morbid (Daniel Valeriani).

"Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus" was released in a couple of different formats, including a two-disc limited edition containing one CD and one live DVD. The bonus live DVD features approximately 55 minutes of previously unreleased material professionally filmed with six cameras during the band's 15th anniversary show at the Peace & Love festival on June 28, 2008 in Borlänge, Sweden. The album also includes two versions (soft and hardcore) of the band's brand new video, "My Funeral".

Fan-filmed video footage of DARK FUNERAL's final performance with Emperor Magus Caligula) can be viewed below.