Vocalist Michael Henneken has left Finnish prog-metallers SILENT VOICES. His official statement on the matter reads as follows:

"I've been twisting and turning this thing in my mind for a long time and it seems that there's only one way to go, so I can find some peace. I've come to the conclusion that I must leave the band in order to release the stress I've been feeling for longer than I've had to. The musical direction and the way that the band functions has gone in a direction lately that has not been to my liking — in fact, it has bothered me quite a bit.

"It saddens me to part ways with SILENT VOICES, simply because I love progressive rock and metal and I'm not sure if I'll ever find another progressive band with such talent and also great personalities. I have no bad feelings to any of the guys outside the band and I wish them all the best for the future adventures on their musical path. On the other hand, I will continue pursuing new goals with and will be active in the musical field.

"I hope that all the guys that SILENT VOICES has consisted of until now will find the winds to raise them higher to the music skies, and I thank them for years of friendship and for all the things I've learned. I'd also like to thank all the fans supporting the band. I wish you well."

SILENT VOICES' third album, "Building Up The Apathy", was released earlier in the year via Low Frequency Records.