Guitarist and founder of the band Dark Tranquility , Niklas Sundin , announced his departure from the band last Sunday, the 22nd.
The announcement, made via the band's official Facebook page, included a heartfelt message from Sundin to the fans.
“As some of you know, I took time off from Dream Theater in 2016 in order to focus on family life. With the Atoma now complete and a new album about to begin, it’s time to officially announce my departure from the band. (…) However, it’s no secret that I’ve always enjoyed the creative process more than the performing aspects of being in a band, and the demanding extensive touring had become less and less 'seductive' with each album.”
“The band and the fans deserve members who want to be on the road as much as possible to keep the momentum going, and for that reason I prefer to step away and direct my musical creativity to other areas. I will still be involved in the visual side of DT and am working on the cover art for the next album as we speak,” the guitarist announced.
Below is Niklas Sundin's full statement regarding his departure from Dark Tranquility: