Norwegian symphonic metal band TRISTANIA have parted ways with vocalist Kjetil Ingebrethsen.

Commented Kjetil: "After four amazing years, I have decided to leave TRISTANIA. There is no bad blood between us at all, and we are still good friends. This is a choice I had to make, just for my own part, and it was the right time to do it now — before the new album.

"I just want to take the opportunity to thank all the fans I have met, and bands I have shared stage with, during tours and festivals. It's been a blast — you will truly be remembered!

"To the TRISTANIA 'family'; Einar, Vibeke, Kenneth, Anders, Rune, Svein Terje, Østen and Carlo — it's been fantastic to be a part of you these years, thank you so much for everything."

The remaining members of TRISTANIA have issued the following statement regarding Kjetil's departure:

"It has been apparent for some time, within the ranks of TRISTANIA, that Kjetil does not want to continue to pursue a musical career at this level, but we have decided to focus on the new record and wait to announce this. The growling vocals will henceforth be performed by other members of the band, and on the new album we're delighted to have the help of a special guest (whose name will be announced at a later time). We understand, and respect, Kjetil's decision, and thank him for the time he has been with TRISTANIA. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours, musical and otherwise."

As previously reported, TRISTANIA will be supported by MACHINE MEN, TURISAS, DERANGED and MORGANA LEFAY on their upcoming European headlining tour, which is scheduled to kick off in early September.

TRISTANIA recently entered Woodhouse Studios in Hagen, Germany with producer Waldemar Sorychta (LACUNA COIL, MOONSPELL, SAMAEL) to begin recording their new album, tentatively due late August via SPV Records. The band's most recent album, "Ashes", is available now on SPV.