AMORAL Parts Ways With Guitarist, Announces Replacement

Finnish metallers AMORAL have parted ways with guitarist Silver Ots.

Commented the group in a statement: "For the past months it has been unclear whether or not Silver would continue in the band, and now he has made up his mind to leave. Apparently he didn't feel motivated enough to be part of AMORAL anymore, as well as wanting to concentrate on other things in life.

"As bothersome as it is to lose a bandmember, we've been working with since the very beginning, we're not going to let this affect our own enthusiasm and the future of AMORAL. Valtteri Hirvonen will be our 'permanent stand-in guitarist' for the time being, so he'll be joining us on gigs and helping out with the songwriting process (he did a GREAT job on the European tour by the way, so we're more than happy to have the guy with us)."

Added Silver in a statement: "I would like to thank the guys for dedication and determination throughout the years and making things happen. I treasure the experiences and miles travelled. I hope nothing but the best for AMORAL and raise my thumbs up to Valtteri Hirvonen for stepping up to the challenge!"

Video footage of AMORAL's October 10, 2009 performance at Camden Underworld, London, England can be viewed below (courtesy of SoundShock.co.uk).

AMORAL toured Europe last fall with AMORPHIS and BEFORE THE DAWN.

The band's latest album, "Show Your Colors", entered the official chart in the band's home country of Finland at position No. 19.

"Show Your Colors" was released in the U.S. on June 9, 2009 through Spinefarm Records via Fontana distribution. Available in Finland since May 6, 2009, the CD was recorded at Sound Supreme Studios in Hämeenlinna, Finland.

An e-card for "Show Your Colors" can be accessed at this location.

"Year Of The Suckerpunch", the first AMORAL track to be released featuring singer Ari Koivunen, entered the national chart in the band's home country at position No. 19. In addition to the title cut, which was written and composed by guitarist Ben Varon, the single includes a cover of the MISFITS song "Dig Up Her Bones".

Koivunen is best known as the winner of the 2007 Finnish national TV talent competition "Idols". He has released two solo albums thus far — 2007's "Fuel For The Fire" and 2008's "Becoming".