INSOMNIUM Parts Ways With Guitarist, Announces Replacement

Finnish melodic death metallers INSOMNIUM have parted ways with guitarist Ville Vnni and replaced him with Markus Vanhala (OMNIUM GATHERUM).

Commented Vnni: "With a heavy heart I have reached the decision to resign from INSOMNIUM. The decision is mutual and final, and there is no big drama behind it.

"During the last year I have found myself in a limbo of constant lack of time and impossible schedules. Combining a general surgeon's career with a busy metal band like INSOMNIUM has already taken years of precise timing, and the candle has been burning from both ends for years now. At the same time, INSOMNIUM has grown bigger demanding more and more time. As a result, I have gradually come to a painful realization that I can not meet the needs of this roller coaster ride any more.

"This decision was hard to make and accept for all of us. INSOMNIUM has been like a family and the bandmates have been (and will still remain) my best and closest friends. For not being able to give my 100% would only be letting them down. The reason why this decision is made flesh right now is that I will not be able to attend the 'One For Sorrow' European tour. My wife is due to give birth to our first son and it is my responsibility, duty and choice to be home at that time. I will play two first shows in Finland and then bid farewell. However, the burden of this decision is lightened by the fact that INSOMNIUM will go on and even grow stronger after my retirement. Markus Vanhala from OMNIUM GATHERUM will take my place as a full-time guitarist in INSOMNIUM. He is a good friend and an excellent musician and has already been replacing me and Ville F. on several occasions.

"Thank you Niilo, Ville and Markus for a decade of good times and a lifetime of friendship and unforgettable memories. And thank you, all INSOMNIUM fans, it is you who made this all possible! See you on the coming shows!"

Added the remaining members of INSOMNIUM: "We all want to thank Ville for everything and totally support him with his decision. We've been together for ten years with this lineup and it has been a great ride. We've been a band of brothers, we've been a family. Nothing will ever change that.

"This is the beginning of a new era for INSOMNIUM.

"Sometimes a change is needed to keep the band going. Luckily we have got the best possible man to fill the vacancy, our good friend Markus Vanhala, who is best known as the songwriter and lead guitarist of OMNIUM GATHERUM. Markus will naturally continue in OMNIUM GATHERUM and unfortunately our tour schedules collide in November when OMNIUM GATHERUM is participating the Neckbreaker's Ball. As a result, well have Tuomas Jppinen as a second guitarist for the first seven evenings of the tour. Tuomas is also our old buddy and he is best known as the songwriter and lead guitarist of ENTER MY SILENCE. Tuomas is doing us a huge favour in delivering a killer show every night. So, make sure Tuomas feels welcomed when he hits the stage! Markus will join our ranks in Mnchen and play all the German shows on the tour.

"Dear friends, do not take these news too heavily. INSOMNIUM is not dying or withering away we will be stronger than ever and we will keep touring and making new music. Give Ville Vnni the kind of farewell shows he deserves and come to see us perform in Joensuu on November 4th and Helsinki on November 5th. Then come and meet the new gang on the Euro tour. See you soon!"

INSOMNIUM's latest album, "One For Sorrow", entered the official chart in the band's home country at position No. 6. The group's previous CD, "Across The Dark", premiered at No. 5 on the same chart.

"One For Sorrow", which was released on October 18 in North America via Century Media Records, was recorded in Gothenburg, Sweden with sound engineer Daniel Antonsson (also bassist in DARK TRANQUILLITY and guitarist in DIMENSION ZERO) and at Fantom studios in Tempere, Finland, where the album was also mixed by Samu Oittisen.

"Through The Shadows" video:

(Thanks: Melica / Night Elves)