Guitarist Per Nilsson of Swedish progressive melodic death metallers Scar Symmetry has released the following statement:

"It is with heavy hearts that we finally make it official: Jonas [Kjellgren, guitar] has decided to leave Scar Symmetry. Due to scheduling conflicts with his studio work and his other bands — Raubtier and Bourbon Boys — Jonas hasn't been able to perform live with Scar Symmetry for the past one and a half years, and from what he has told us, he will not be able to in the foreseeable future either.

"Back in 2004, Henrik [Ohlsson, drums] and I got to know Jonas when recording with our previous band in his studio. We quickly became friends, and it was inevitable that soon enough, we would start talking about forming a new band together. It has been an amazing journey since, making the music of our dreams come to life on five albums, being picked up by the legendary Nuclear Blast Records and touring all over Europe and North America.

"We won't bring in an offical replacement. Instead we'll continue as a five-piece, sometimes bringing in a session guitar player for live shows — just as we effectively have been doing it since Jonas quit touring with us.

"This Friday, we'll perform at U.K.'s Bloodstock festival which marks the end of the touring cycle for 'The Unseen Empire'. Next up is finalizing the songwriting for our next recording project, which will be our most ambititous yet!

"Thank you, Jonas, for the good times, the friendship and the amazing music. You will be missed!"

Scar Symmetry was forced to cancel its fall 2012 North American headlining tour due to visa issues.

The band's's latest album, "The Unseen Empire", sold around 1,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The Cd landed at position No. 11 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

"The Unseen Empire" was released on April 15, 2011 in Europe and May 17, 2011 in North America via Nuclear Blast Records.