Singer Antony Hämäläinen (pictured below) has officially left mutinational melodic death metallers Nightrage. He says: "There is no drama or bad blood. Quite the opposite actually as we all remain great friends. I personally would just like to explore other musical ventures. It's as simple as that."

He adds: "I want to thank [Nightrage founder] Marios Iliopoulos for giving me a chance to play in his band, and write two amazing albums with him. He is one of the most underrated guitar players in the world, and I am sure he will create more amazing music in the years to come.

"In other news, [drummer] Johan Nunez and I, have finished recording a new album of total melodic death metal with several of our best friends on board. This is a project we have been working on for a few years now and we can't wait to share it with you. There will be more news on that in the weeks to come so stay tuned!"

Iliopoulos recently revealed that he was preparing to begin the songwriting process for the band's new album, which is expected in 2014. The group is also seeking a suitable label home for the upcoming Cd following Nightrage's split with Lifeforce Records.

Due to scheduling conflicts, Hämäläinen was unable to perform with Nightrage at the Gothenburg Sound Festival on January 5 at Trädgårn in Gothenburg, Sweden. His replacement for this show was Nightrage's former frontman Tomas Lindberg from At The Gates.

Lindberg — who is also known for his work with The Crown and Lock Up — appeared on Nightrage's first two albums (2003's "Sweet Vengeance" and 2005's "Descent Into Chaos") before being replaced by Jimmie Strimell, who sang on 2007's "A New Disease Is Born".

Nightrage's fifth album, "Insidious", was released in September 2011 via Lifeforce Records. The Cd featured guest appearances by Gus G. (Ozzy Osbourne, Firewind), Tomas S. Englund (Evergrey), Apollo Papathanasio (Firewind, Spiritual Beggars), John K (Biomechanical) and Lindberg.