Guitarist Jens F. Ryland has amicably parted ways with Norway’s BORKNAGAR, according to an official statement by BORKNAGAR mainman, Øystein G. Brun. The statement reads:

“Our second guitarist Jens F. Ryland has decided to leave BORKNAGAR. His decision is based on various personal reasons, but we would like to state that there is no conflict nor bad blood in relations to the break. On behalf of BORKNAGAR, I wish him all the best for the future!”

Additionally, Brun also reassured that Ryland’s departure will have no impact on the recording of the band’s follow-up to 2001’s Empiricism album, which they will begin recording in March at Toproom Studios (where Empiricism was recorded). Expect a late 2003 release date.