Norwegian rockers Kvelertak have released the following statement:

"Our drummer Kjetil [Gjermundrød] has been having trouble with his arm and was, unfortunately, unable to continue our ongoing North America tour. He left home for Norway yesterday to get treatment so that he doesn't permanently damage his hand, which would suck so much balls. But we were lucky to get an awesome replacement in Jay Weinberg (Against Me, Madball, E Street Band) who learned all the songs and played an amazing set yesterday in Seattle. Kjetil is a hard drummer to replace, but Jay might just be the best replacement imaginable. Thanks, Jay!! So, the tour will continue as planned, and tonight is our first show ever in Canada! Vancouver, Rickshaw Theatre to be specific. Come down and rage!!"

Kvelertak's sophomore album, "Meir", topped the official chart in Norway. The Cd, which sold 1,800 copies in the United States in its first week of release, was issued on March 26 via Roadrunner Records. It was produced by Converge's Kurt Ballou and features cover artwork by John Dyer Baizley.

"It is both catchy and heavy; we're pushing our limits in both ends of that spectre. It's very varied and there are a lot of surprises in store. I mean, it's unlike anything I myself have heard before, so we even managed to surprise ourselves," said Erlend Hjelvik.

Kvelertak is Erlend Hjelvik (vocals), Vidar Landa (guitars), Bjarte Lund Rolland (guitars), Maciek Ofstad (guitars), Marvin Nygaard (bass) and Kjetil Gjermundrød (drums).