This announcement was posted on the Official homepage by the founding member Antti Karihtala in the beginning of December:



One chapter has ended in the story of Charon, and it is time to move on. As one of the founding members of the band I feel entitled, if not obligated, to explain and update Charon's present situation publicly from my own point of view.

I have always been glad and proud about the fact that Charon is one of the longest bands playing with the original line-up in the heavier rock
genre both in and outside Finland. Over 11 years of work with the same members is an achievement for any band.

This period of time has given the band both it's present day face and it's unrelenting character.

Now, however, the time has come to make some difficult choices in order to keep the group going.

When I started the band with Teemu Hautamäki and Pasi Sipilä in spring 1992, I didn't even consider the possibility of parting ways with someone. There was a healthy fear of and respect for the band activities, which meant you either go all out for the band or you don't go at all. This attitude has not changed?

Playing in a band is not a given; you have to invest in it 200%, at least in Charon. People, however, change as life goes on, and so do the members' values. Personally, I've had to make some very difficult choices and have given up a lot for the good of the band, but I've also learnt to arrange things in a way that won't hurt the band. In a way,
this has been easy, because playing in the band with your best friends sets the priorities for other things as well. This attitude has also been visible in the rest of the band.

But, as Jasse said in his announcement, he has 'lost all interest in the band'. This has been clear in his attitude for some time now, and we felt that it could not possibly go on. His general lack of motivation and interest was visible in the spring and all through summer, and it was clearly starting to affect the rest of us, and so we had only one
alternative. No sports team will field an out-of-shape player; he will be replaced with someone who has the right attitude.

If personal chemistry doesn't work, it shows in concerts, on the albums, in the tour bus, rehearsals etc. It's just a shame this time of troubles coincides with the recording of a new album, which is, after all, the most creative time in a band's life. Also, the prospect of finding a session guitarist on such a short notice and in the middle of a tour, didn't seem very appealing. But, as they say, a rock band works best with a gun to their head? And it's true!

Right now, the will to prove our worth is greater than ever, and I can honestly say that our last show in Vaasa was one of the best ever and was altogether the most purifying experience of all time.

The remaining shows of "The Dying Daylights" tour in December-January in Finland and abroad will be performed with Lauri Tuohimaa, who has already played on a few gigs. The new guitarist will be recruited early in 2004.

We have also written new material, and the versions so far seem to be the best Charon's ever done. There are many good albums and gigs to be done, and with the current creativity I can see no difficulties in our way.

This is the last comment we will make on this matter. Have a good rest of the year, and see you at the shows!

Antti Karihtala
in Raahe, December 1. 2003

Band profile:

Charon