Drummer ANDY WHALE Exits MEMORIAM

Birmingham, United Kingdom-based death/grind metal band MEMORIAM has announced the departure of drummer Andy Whale.

The group said in a statement: "Those who know Andy will know he is a fiercely proud family man and father.

"He wants to be with the first love of his life, which is his partner and children, more and we cannot see a better and more admirable reason for a band departure.

"We are sure that Andy will continue playing in the future but we think he may well follow his more punk routes than death metal.

"This is not an acrimonious departure and we are sure that in the future he will jump behind the kit again with MEMORIAM on stage for a bit of a bash!

"So, on the 28th and 29th of September in Germany (Erfurt and Oberhausen),Andy will be doing his last live shows with MEMORIAM.

"So those that can, please come along and enjoy the events, join our party, have fun and give Andy a right good send-off.

"All other shows will still go ahead, but for now, let's all wish Andy well in whatever endeavour he chooses to move on with.

"We have achieved so much in such a short time together as a band and our love for you will never diminish.

"Our love and respect always."

MEMORIAM features in its ranks Karl Willets (BOLT THROWER) on vocals, Frank Healy (BENEDICTION, CEREBRAL FIX) on bass and Scott Fairfax (CEREBRAL FIX).

Whale was previously a member of BOLT THROWER from 1986 to 1994.

MEMORIAM's second album, "The Silent Vigil", was released in March via Nuclear Blast.

The band was primarily developed to fill the void that was left following the tragic death of Martin "Kiddie" Kearns, the drummer from BOLT THROWER, back in September 2015. BOLT THROWER subsequently placed all activity on hold for the foreseeable future which gave Willetts an opportunity to develop a new project with friends that had expressed interest in forming a band for some time.