Finnish melodic black metallers CATAMENIA have parted ways with singer Olli-Jukka Mustonen.

Commented the group's guitarist Ari Nissilä: " The fear that something negative will happen turned into reality at Montreal [on our way to start our Canadian tour], when we realized that Olli, our lead vocalist, won't show up there. Unfotunately he missed his flight at Paris CDG airport, but we did hope that he could fly to Montreal next day with reserved ticket, but this never happened.

"Now, we had a nightmare staring us. We didn't came all the way to Canada just to inform that this is it, we can't do the tour. When the first shock was over, we start to seek the solution. Since I was doing vocals on rehearsals just for this kind of 'impossible situations,' we wanted to give a shot for it, so I'm going to do lead vocals.

So, the show went better than none of us dared to hope, and so did the second, the third and so on. People who were listening our concerts took me open minded as a lead vocalist... and... they liked what they heard.

"This misfortune led to conversation about the band's future. The solution is that the whole band wanted to me be as lead singer from now on. I am speechless about this and still try to get it in my mind what the hell is happening. One thing is sure… I will give that 110 percentage and my heart for this band, like I have done all the years I have lived with CATAMENIA. Now there is just more responsibility, but the train is very same, so is the man.

"Guys of CATAMENIA did everything that I won't break before the first show doing lead vocals. These guys trusted, helped and supported me the way that I still wonder how can I thank them enough. The pressure was so huge that I would never make it without these guys.

"Now after few days in home solving things in my head, I have one thing to say to these guys… This band is my family! You guys are the brothers I never had! I will do everything for you — without any doubt. Thousand thanks for you for your trust and support!

"For fans... We hope that you look this as a new page in CATAMENIA's path and be open-minded. We will guarantee you that with your trust and help, the triumph of CATAMENIA is just about to begin! WE WILL MANAGE, is our motto all together.

"For Olli... We really do hope all the best for you in the future and we hope from our hearts that we can stay as friends as before because you can always consider us as your friends."

CATAMENIA will enter Mastervox Studios on July 7 to begin recording its new album, tentatively titled "VIII", for an October 2008 release.

CATAMENIA's latest album, "Location: COLD", was released in August 2006 via Massacre Records. The CD was recorded, mixed and mastered at Mastervox Studios by Kakke Vähäkuopus and Immu Ilmarinen. The cover artwork was created by Anthony Clarkson.