WOLVERINE Part Ways With Keyboardist, Announce Replacement

Sweden's WOLVERINE have parted ways with keyboardist Andreas "Bagge" Baglien. The group's official statement on the matter reads as follows:

"It's with great sadness we have to announce that Bagge has left the band. Bagge has played with us since 1998 and he is like a brother to all of us so this is by far the toughest decision we've ever had to make within the band. However, it became clear after playing with Per Henriksson for the last few months (he stepped in to replace Bagge temporarily while Bagge was away for work for a few months) that we needed to bring him in full-time in order for the band to truly blossom again. I'm sure Bagge is the first to tell you that his contribution to the band during the last year or so hasn't been what it used to be. I won't go into any more detail on the matter since Bagge will post a message on our messageboard shortly announcing his departure and feelings regarding the whole thing.

"The entire band wishes Bagge all the best in the future. He is a truly talented musician and his ability to write great and interesting music is enormous. We also want to thank him for all 8 amazing years. We've been through a lot and it's been a blast! Thank you! At the same time, we would like to welcome Per Henriksson to the band. He's been playing with us for a few months now and everything has worked out amazingly well. We've done two gigs with him already and we had the best of times. He is a great player and and equally great guy. Info on him will be posted as soon as possible so you can dig into his past. Once again, welcome Per!"

As previously reported, Candlelight Records has set a June 26 release date for the new album WOLVERINE, entitled "Still".

"Still" was recorded in part at Spacelab studio in Tönisvorst, Germany. The follow-up to 2003's "Cold Light of Monday" was produced by Oliver Philipps, Christian "Moschus" Moos and WOLVERINE and was mixed at the end of August.