Baard Kolstad has been announced as the new permanent drummer of Norwegian metallers Leprous. He already did the entire Coal tour with the band replacing Tobias Ørnes Andersen, who is stepping down. The band and Tobias agreed that it would be best that Baard Kolstad joined full-time, all on good terms. In terms of good news, 21 new sketches are written for the new album, so that's a start!

The band explains: "Baard did the entire 2013 Coal tour with us, and those of you who attended the shows knows that he's an absolutely amazing drummer! His merits are very impressive in such a young age and reach from World Champion in the Roland V-Drums World Championship 2012, to being one of the most renowned street drummers out there (he has more hits on YouTube than we can ever dream of), member in bands such as Borknagar, God Seed and Rendezvous Point, as well as live member in In Vain, Solefald and Ihsahn - just to mention a few. Despite looking rather busy, Baard has promised full dedication to Leprous!"

Baard has the following to say: "I've been a big Leprous fan for a very long time, and it was nothing short of amazing being asked to join the band full time. I got the offer to step in during their Coal Tour in 2013, and I remember it like it was yesterday. Taking over after such a unique and incredible drummer like Tobias, is both very scary and inspiring at the same time. I'm really looking forward to the times ahead!"

The band explains Tobias departure: "Tobias has been a very important member of Leprous for quite many years, and has played an important role in shaping Leprous into what we are today. For that we will be forever grateful! However, It all came to a point where all parts agreed that it would be better for all parts if Baard took over the Leprous drum chair permanently. We've lost the count in how many projects Tobias is a part of, and Leprous being a very time challenging band made it quite hard for him to give us the dedication needed. We're till in very good terms, and don't be surprised if you see Tobias behind the drumkit on a Leprous show here and there! We wish him only the best for the future!"





Tobias' statement: "I will no longer be a part of Leprous. I'm doing a lot of different stuff in my musical career, and since Leprous is a band that needs full attention and dedication I think it's time to move on. It's really just a matter of lack of time, and both the band and me felt this was the natural evolution for the band as the situation is now. I felt we had good connection musically, but sometimes change can be a good thing. Of course it's sad that I will not be able to be playing / hanging out that much with good friends, but I wish all the best for the band!"

Source:	leprous.net
Band profile:	Leprous