Finland's NORTHER have parted ways with drummer Toni Hallio. "The decision was totally [made by] Toni [and] there are no hard feelings!" the band write on their web site. "Toni wants to focus on other things in the future. Toni wishes all the best for the band and the fans! He will [still] play the two [scheduled] gigs this week, so if you want to see him (or the band) come to the gigs!!"

As a result of Toni's departure, NORTHER are currently looking for a replacement drummer. Interested parties can contact the band at rumpali@norther.net. Only "very experienced drummers" need apply.

NORTHER recently entered Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden to begin recording their fourth full-length album, tentatively due before the end of the year. The band's most recent release was the "Solution 7" EP, which was mixed and mastered at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki. Recording sessions for the disc began on December 24 at Astia Studios in Lappeenranta, Finland.

NORTHER's third full-length album, "Death Unlimited", was released last year through Spinefarm Records.

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