UPDATE: Hjelvik's bandmates have released a statement confirming their frontman's departure. They plan to unveil his replacement at Kvelertak's Fjellparkfestivalen appearance, set for later this week. Additionally, the band reports that sessions are underway for a new full-length, expected out in 2019. Scroll down to read the announcement in its entirety.
Erlend Hjelvik, the co-founding vocalist of Norwegian black-and-roll outfit Kvelertak, has parted ways with the band. In a short statement published to Facebook today (July 16th), Hjelvik called his exit "necessary," citing the six-piece's differing "individual goals, needs and motivations." The frontman's announcement comes just four days before Kvelertak's scheduled appearance at Fjellparkfestivalen in Flekkefjord, Norway, the first of four performances taking place in the band's home country this summer. Hjelvik says he will not be present for those shows, due to "circumstances out of [his] control."
"The experience of building a successful band has been fun and rewarding but has also been equally intense and challenging," Hjelvik writes. "Over the years, this has taken its toll. As we've been developing personally and professionally, our individual goals, needs and motivations have changed, leading us in different directions. Though it is a heavy decision to leave a life I've been living and breathing for the last decade, I feel happy and excited to explore new possibilities for the future."
"I would like to thank [bandmates] Bjarte [Rolland], Kjetil [Gjermundrød], Maciek [Ofstad], Marvin [Nygaard] and Vidar [Landa], our crew, bands we've toured with, and everyone else who has worked with Kvelertak," he continues. "Most importantly, I appreciate our awesome fans that have made everything possible. I'm very proud and grateful for everything we've accomplished as Kvelertak. I am genuinely thankful for everything we've experienced together and wish the band the best of luck and success in the future."
Kvelertak's last album, Nattesferd, came out in 2016.
