GLORIA MORTI Part Ways With Bassist

Finnish black metallers GLORIA MORTI have parted ways with bassist Jukka Salonen. "The decision is mutual and a very difficult one," the band write on their web site. "However, everyone feels strongly that this is the right decision for everyone and totally a win-win situation. The split is totally amicable and there is no bad blood involved."

Commented Jukka: "This is a decision made in one-hundred per cent cooperation and understanding with all parties. Neither the band or myself want to hold each other back in any way, and we totally believe that this is the right decision. I also know, that people are very skeptical about 'amicable splits,' but it is the absolute truth. If people neccesarily want to speculate about this (and they will),I will give them something to speculate about.

"Both myself and the band really can't point out any single reason for this, but we feel that if I were to continue in the band, it would hold me back as a musician and the band as a efficient team. Everybody is to remain friends and there is no bad blood between the people involved. Whether people believe it or not, is totally up to them.

"I will continue my efforts with MAIDEN HELL and also continue to work together with Juho Räihä in RIVERSIDE SYNDICATE. I am, however, also looking forward to pursue my own projects and will actively try to form another band. I have no other details to give about it at this point, except that it will definitely be a no-holds-barred, full-on metal band.

"I wish the guys all the best and good luck in the future. Let the metal flow!"

The remaning GLORIA MORTI members have released the following message to theri departed bassist:

"We cannot describe how we feel at the moment. On the other hand we are sorry that you are no longer a part of our group, but at the same time we are convinced that this decision is best for all of us. We are thankful for your understanding over this decision and glad that you are able to see this from our point of view. Thank you for the privilege of having you as a part of this band for all these years. We wish you all the best in the future, and remember: You are still our friend and there's always an extra seat for you in our table, brother."

GLORIA MORTI's debut album, "Lifestream Corrosion", was released last year through Firebox Records in Scandinavia and World Chaos Productions in Japan. The CD was mixed at Sonic Pump studios in Helsinki and was mastered at Finnvox studios.