Finnish metallers Swallow The Sun have issued the following update:

"There is no easy way to phrase this, so let's get straight to the point: due to a mutual decision Pasi Pasanen [drums] will no longer be playing with Swallow The Sun.

Pasi, as one of the founding members, has been an integral part of the development of the band and it's sound since the beginning back in 2000. We have had good times, recorded 4 excellent albums and done unbelievable amounts of touring together, but now it's time for us to go on our separate ways.

Here's Pasi's comments on the situation: "Lately, I've been having a lack of motivation towards this kind of music and touring. The guys have felt it too and there's no point for me to deny it. It just affects the chemistry in the band too much, so it is time for me to step aside. I've gotten many good friends and some of the best experiences ever touring with StS. About 200 shows in 21 countries is something I never thought I'd get to do, so I want to thank & hail all the great people, friends, bands we've toured with and especially Juha, Jämy, Martti, Aleksi and Mikko for these years. And I'm sure you fans wont be disappointed with the future Swallow The Sun. Me and Juha will continue working together in Plutonium Orange, and you never know what other things the future brings, so: cheers everyone, see you somewhere!"

We wish him well in everything, and Pasi will continue to play with Juha in Plutonium Orange - which is the band that got Swallow The Sun started in the first place - and they are just finishing their debut album.

For what it comes to upcoming shows and the new album nothing will change. We won't cancel any shows, and we will enter Fascination Street studios 15th of June to record our next album. More information about everything will follow soon."

Source:	blogs.myspace.com
Band profile:	Swallow The Sun