ENGEL Parts Ways With Drummer, Announces Replacement

ENGEL — the Gothenburg, Sweden-based quintet featuring guitarists Marcus Sunesson (ex-THE CROWN) and Niclas Engelin (PASSENGER, ex-GARDENIAN, IN FLAMES) and vocalist Mangan Klavborn — has parted ways with drummer Daniel "Mojjo" Moilanen and has replaced him with Jimmy Olausson.

Commented the band: "The departure of Mojjo has been that of an amicable one and ENGEL wish him well for the future and thank him for his invaluable contribution over the last years.

"Despite his young age, Jimmy has already established himself as an outstanding musician most notably for his work with his former band Gothenburg-based MARIONETTE and is highly regarded as being one of the premier new talents to arrive on the Swedish metal scene.

"Olausson has been playing drums from the age of 5 and from that first moment was immediately hooked and there was really nothing that could stop or curb his interest in drums with the experience being so memorable."

Regarding the change in the band's lineup, ENGEL said in a statement, "It is always difficult for any band when someone leaves, and, of course, it is always difficult to find an ideal replacement but in this instance we are extremely honored to have found Jimmy not just for his ability as an outstanding drummer but with an outstanding personality to match. His contribution to ENGEL already has been immense and refreshing as he brings something new and exciting behind the kit which was exactly what we have been looking for!

"Change will always be part of any bands growth and development but as always we are looking to the future and the continued success of ENGEL and with Jimmy Olausson we are more than confident that he is perfect in this role. It is already a pleasure to have him in our ranks!"

ENGEL released its long-awaited second album, "Threnody", in Japan on April 20 via Avex.

The CD features the following track listing:

01. Threnody
02. Sense The Fire
03. Until Eternity Ends
04. To The End
05. Down
06. Heartsick
07. Feed The Weak
08. For Those Who Will Resist
09. EverySin - Leaves A Mark
10. Roll The Dice
11. Elbow And Knives
12. Perfect Isis
13. Fearless (bonus track for Japan)

ENGEL recorded "Threnody" at PUK studio in Gjerlev, Denmark with producer Tue Madsen (THE HAUNTED, HIMSA, SICK OF IT ALL). The band is currently seeking a new label home in the U.S. and Europe following its split with SPV Records (which issued ENGEL's debut album, "Absolute Design", in 2007).

ENGEL recently filmed a video for another track off "Threnody" with director PA Nilsson. "We decided to try something a little different from the usual approach and what I can say is that making this video was so much fun and exhausting as well," stated bassist Steve Drennan.

Video footage of ENGEL performing the song "Sense The Fire" on June 17, 2009 at Harry B. James in Stockholm can be viewed below. The audio track in the clip is the studio recording of the song, which was first made available on a compilation album from Sweden's Bandit Rock 106.3 radio station.