Finnish metallers Battle Beast have parted ways with lead singer Nitte Vänskä and have replaced her with Noora Louhimo.

Commented the band: "On August 19th, Nitte sent the rest of the band an e-mail stating that she was leaving the band, effective immediately. As the reason for her leaving, she cited her will to focus on her family life. As this happened without any prior notice, the rest of us were slightly disappointed. But what's done is done, and we're thrilled to announce the new Battle Beast vocalist with a voice and character to take the band to heights of glory."

According to a press release, Louhimo "is already experienced in performing some of the most demanding rock songs in existence and is now ready to take her big step into the metal world. With lungs of leather and a voice to order gods with, Noora possesses all the requirements to deliver the kind of power needed for performing Battle Beast's music.

Noora will lay down all the lead vocals on Battle Beast's forthcoming second album, to be released in early 2013.

An audio snippet of Noora Louhimo singing the Battle Beast song Iron Hand is available here.

In the meantime, Battle Beast will support fellow Finns Sonata Arcticaon a European tour in November. The trek will consist of 20 shows in 11 countries.