In a statement, the group announced that it will continue without the vocalist
Erlend Hjelvik , vocalist and co-founder of Kvelertak , has announced that he will no longer be part of the band. In a short statement released on social media, Hjelvik said that the departure is "necessary" because the members have "different goals, needs and motivations".
The frontman's announcement came four days after confirmation that the band would be performing at the Fjellparkfestivalen in Flekkefjord, Norway, marking Kvelertak's first show in their home country this season. Hjelvik will not be present for the upcoming dates due to "circumstances beyond [the singer's] control.".
“The experience of creating a successful band has been fun but also intense and challenging,” he wrote in the statement, “Over time, our goals, needs and motivations have changed, leading us in different directions. Although it’s difficult to leave this life I’ve lived for the last decade, I’m happy and excited to explore new possibilities in the future.”
“I would like to thank [bandmates] Bjarte [ Rolland ], Kjetil [ Gjermundrød ], Maciek [ Ofstad ], Marvin [ Nygaard ] and Vidar [ Landa ], our crew, the bands that have toured with us and everyone who has ever worked with Kvelertak,” he continues, “And most importantly: I thank the incredible fans who made all this possible. I am very proud and grateful for everything we have achieved as Kvelertak. I am genuinely grateful for everything we have been through together and wish you all the best and best of luck for the future.”
A few hours after the announcement of Hjelvik's departure, the group released a statement announcing that a new vocalist will be revealed during their performance at the Fjellparkfestivalen, which will take place later this week. The band also revealed that a new studio album, the successor to Nattesferd (2016), is being produced and is expected to be released in 2019.
Read the full statements below.
