German black metallers Bethlehem are going through a rough patch. The band is currently seeking new members as vocalist Guido Meyer de Voltaire and guitarist Olaf Eckhardt have left the band. The band still promises they will release a new album this year.

The following statement was released by the band: "Bethlehem might need you! Unfortunately some musicians have things going on in their personal lives making them unable to commit to Bethlehem's schedule and we are therefore making some changes from August on.

"Bethlehem is currently considering two new guitar players and a new shouter for live shows, touring & new studio albums. If you would like to audition for this, you need to have the following qualifications:

"Guitars: Skills on an international level, touring experience, ability to attend rehearsals on a weekly basis and good social skills. You MUST be a Bethlehem fan. The band is not looking for players in general. This is a lifestyle, more than a job. If you exclusively wanna do it for the money Bethlehem is the wrong band for you! It is not possible to play the music of Bethlehem without feeling it, or responding to the demands of the band without really wanting to be a part of this.

"Vocals: The same qualifications as for guitars + the aim progressing & experimenting with your very own 'instrument' as well. If you're just a shouter, good, but you should have the technical know how & the ability singing accent free German lyrics.

"In the future Bethlehemagain will concentrate on these early reflections known as 'Dark Metal' cos this experimental studio trilogy based on clean vocals & non-metal guitar harmonies have found an end with the actual album which will get released later in the year. Therefore Bethlehem will become a Heavy Metal band again mixed with these pretty unique & personal interpretations which already made us special in the past.

"Please send a video of yourself playing/singing not only your own select Bethlehem songs, but anything you think is representative of your level as a player. It does not have to be technical, it might as well be something representative of your ability to interpret music. Should the band want to pursue, you will be invited to an audition in Duisburg/Germany. Send your video and some words about yourself to: info@bethlehem-darkmetal.com."

---

Olaf explains his departure: "Since it is official now I would like to address a few words to you. A few weeks ago I decided to separate myself from Bethlehem. Unfortunately internal reasons make it impossible to just continue as before. There is no need to go into detail, nor it's worth it.

"I would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years and without whom many things would not have been possible. Thanks to all the bands and musicians with whom I was allowed to shared time, stages, and beer. It's been an honor to work with such great musicians , special thanks to Florian (Torturer), Steve and Guido Meyer de Voltaire and all the other great guys who hit the band in the past. My greatest thanks go to you who faithfully accompanied us through the years, came out to see our shows and always motivated us with posts to go on. Thank you for all these moments you have made so special and unique. I love and I need to make music and of course will not stop to do so. But when you reach a point where music, for whatever reason, seems to fade into the background , it's time for a break or a change. At least for me. I've made my decision. My best wishes to all of you .... Olaf."

And Guido says: "Well Bethlehem fans, I think the same goes for me. I know I have been a pain in the ass for some members of the old school Bethlehem front, but I had to make my vocal interpretations for this special music without any compromises in whatever direction. It was fantastic to write and sing all those melody lines over Olaf's extraordinary web of guitar work and arrange them with the guys. It has been an honor for me to vocalize three of the Bethlehem albums. The upcoming being the third and definitely the last. The reasons are not important. What remains is the music. Metal forever. Guido."

Source:	facebook.com
Band profile:	Bethlehem