ELIS Parts Ways With Singer

Singer Sandra Schleret has left Liechtenstein-based gothic metallers ELIS. Her statement on the matter reads as follows:

"More than four years ago I joined ELIS as their new singer. Our journey was very special to me, and I think that we found one another at a time when we really needed it the most. I gave my best to honor [former ELIS singer] Sabine's [Dnser] legacy [Sabine suffered a cerebral hemorrhage on July 7, 2006 during rehearsal and passed away the following day in hospital. Ed.] and nevertheless stay true to myself and open a new chapter together with the band.

"I am sorry to say that we have reached a point where this chapter now comes to an end.

"We had an amazing and exciting time and the guys really touched my heart. We made a great album in which I've put all of my heart and which means a lot to me.

"We sat together and talked long about everything, and we concluded that it is better to go separate ways from now on. I simply feel the need to devote myself to my own music, my aims and tasks, and the guys can not accompany me on that way because they have their own aims, ideas and expectations. I am sure that it's the right decision, because it is very important to me to dedicate myself to everything I do with full heart and soul. Now that I cannot ensure this anymore I think it's only fair to say it freely.

"ELIS will always have my full support and my friendship will guide them on their way.

"The guys have found a great new singer and so I am leaving with a good feeling, though I am very sad about the end of our time together.

"I dearly want to thank all the ELIS fans, who gave me such a warm welcome! I hope we will see each other again!"

ELIS's most recent album, "Catharsis", was released in November 2009 via Napalm Records. The follow-up to 2006's "Griefshire", "Catharsis" was recorded at Mastersound Studio in Germany with producer Alex Krull (ATROCITY, LEAVES' EYES) and marked the band's first and now only full-length recording with Schleret.