FINNTROLL released the following statement regarding the band’s forthcoming plans following the recent death of their guitarist, Teemu “Somnium” Raimoranta:

“As the situation concerning this tour and the future of FINNTROLL has been under some dispute and discussion amongst promoters, fans and other parties, the band wishes to relate the following:

“We are doing the tour as previously agreed. We do this with heavy hearts, as the sudden loss of Teemu ‘Somnium’ Raimoranta, a close friend and one of the leading forces behind this band, gave us a blow from which the recovery will take a long time. We feel that dropping everything now, cancelling the tour and all the plans we together agreed for this band, would be an insult on Teemu’s memory. Going back on the road was also the particular wish of his family and close ones. We feel that this is the best way to honor our friends’ memory, taking the music out to the fans. On the following gigs the second guitar will be played by a long-time friend for all of us, Mikael Karlbom, who has played as a stand in guitarist for us several times in the past. During the tour, we wish some courtesy on the part of fans, members of the press and others concerning questions about Teemu’s departing, future of the band and such. We will share information in due time.

“Thanks to all those who have contacted us, expressed their condolences and honored our brother’s memory.”