AMORPHIS Bassist Quits Over Band 'Mismanagement'

Finnish melancholic progressive metallers AMORPHIS have parted ways with bassist Niclas Etelävuori. The band states: "His decision [to leave] has nothing to do with the band, no bad blood, no hard feelings between us, so it is better that you read his statement and thoughts below.

"It's really hard to describe the feelings everyone is going through right now, especially when we have worked as a family with him for so many years.

"People should understand that AMORPHIS has always been a democratic band and it's pretty obvious that not all choices can please everyone. Some people don't get along with each other; that's life. The focus and all decisions have still aimed for the greater good and only what is best for AMORPHIS.

"We will continue with our current management as we feel that there is no distrust between us whatsoever.

"Even in these circumstances, the show must go on, so we are happy to announce that our old friend and original AMORPHIS bass player Olli-Pekka (Oppu) Laine is going to play the forthcoming shows and festivals with us. It's been a long time since we played together but it sure is going to be nostalgic and great fun. Rest of the year continues busy as we are now heading to Russia after couple of weeks and from there to Radio Rock (Finland) cruise before the festival season starts. 'Under The Red Cloud' tour will end in September and after that we start to work on a new album. We'll keep you informed about that later on.

"Most of all, we want to wish Niclas nothing but the best in the future and he will always remain as a close brother to us."

Etelävuori states: "I'm very very sad to inform you that after 17 years, I've decided to leave my duties as bass player of AMORPHIS. This is probably the hardest decision I ever made in my life. I still love the music and the guys and the crew are still my brothers and I wish them all all the best in the future. There's absolutely no bad blood between us.

"The reason for my departure is 100% due to the (mis)management of the band. It probably sounds crazy to most of you, but that's how it is (music business can sometimes be very complicated). I got the guy his job back in the day and now I only heard lies and bullshit for the last many years, I just had enough, so I gotta go I can't work or live like that. It is pretty obvious to me that the manager only works for his own best interest not for the band's best interest, and that's not how it should be.

"Strange enough, for me 'most' of the band still wants to continue on this path, so I better find another one.

"We all gotta do what we believe in, and I don't believe in our manager anymore. I have left the door open if the band would decide to change things.

"Staying true to yourself is most important in life and that's what I'm trying to do, you only live once and life is too short for bullshit. I could probably write a book about it but I'll save that for later now I'm too tired and I have to look for a new job.

"I'd like to thank all the fans, companies, people I've met and worked with all over the world over the years it's been a blast. I hope we meet again some sunny day."

AMORPHIS's latest album, "Under The Red Cloud", was released in September 2015 via Nuclear Blast.