Former EXTOL Guitarist Explains His Departure

May 19, 2004

Christer Espevoll, half of the guitarist duo that announced its departure from Norwegian progressive thrash/death metallers EXTOL earlier this week, has issued a statement via the group's web site explaining his decision to leave the band. It reads as follows:

"So the news is finally out. Yesterday it was 10 years ago since EXTOL played their first show ever. This summer it's 11 years since David and I started the band. After all these years, I have decided to leave the band. I feel that I owe you, the fans, an explanation. My reason for leaving the band is this: After 'Synergy' we talked about the future of EXTOL and how we could take the band further. It turned out that David, Peter and John were keen on raising the level of effort and energy put into the band to a point that would be too much for me. I have always loved playing in EXTOL. I love metal and I love music. But I also have other responsibilities. The main thing is my involvement in my church. For many years my heart has been with the youth, and I am not willing to sacrifice that for EXTOL. I would like to do both, but that is not possible. Like I said, I love metal, and as I decided to leave EXTOL, it turned out that the eminent metal band BENEA REACH needed a guitarist, so I didn't hesitate when they asked me if I wanted to join their orchestra. After 11 years of EXTOL metal insanity I would like to thank all you fans who have bought our albums and showed up at our shows, and of course the guys in the band for awesome musicianship and everything we have experienced together. God Bless!!"

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