opustil basák Simon Andersson.

"I've been a part of this band for almost two years and I'm honoured I was the chosen one. Getting to know these wonderful musicians is even more of an honour… but I've reached the point where I just have to stop and walk my own way. Exhaustion, yearning and frustration are the three main issues.

"Exhaustion: having a 'normal day job,' being a rockstar and having a lot of other (heavy) personal stuff became too much. I wanted everything so bad I ended up being sick with no energy whatsoever.

"Yearning: being on tour means waiting. Waiting and waiting… I asked myself one day: is the life back home, the people I love, worth risking just being somewhere in the world waiting? My answer is no.

"Frustration: I wanna focus on my own music when i have the time for it. Don't wanna be a wheel in motion in someone else's machinery… I have way too much inspiration and there is no space for this in PAIN OF SALVATION. Lack of dedication? No. Lack of creative outbursts within the band? Yes.

"I can't give PAIN OF SALVATION 100% at this point, and the guys deserve better… the best thing to do is to go separate ways. We made this decision together and we part as friends. I wish them the best of luck!"