Swiss folk metal outfit
Eluveitie has announced the departure of guitarist
Simeon Koch. The band has issued the following statement:
"Sime was thinking about this since quite a long time already and finally decided to take this step. He will set about some new goals in his life – both, vocational and familial – which will make it impossible for him to play in a touring band. Sime was part of Eluveitie for 8 years now, part of our little, crazy family – and we will dearly miss him. But at the same time we're thankful for the awesome time we spent together. We wish him and his family all the best for his personal and vocational future!"
Meanwhile, Koch had the following to say:
"A couple of months ago I informed my band mates, that I'll leave Eluveitie in September 2012 for familial reasons. It was a very tough call, it was difficult to make this decision – in a way the band is part of the family too, after all. I will dearly miss Eluveitie. But fortunately the world (or rather Switzerland) is small: I will still play the upcoming shows in Solothurn's Kofmehl and the Eluveitie & Friends festival with full commitment! I wish the band all the best and accident-free upcoming tours!"
Eluveitie has subsequently tapped
Rafael Salzmann as a replacement. According to the band, Salzmann "will play the upcoming tours with us as a live session guitarist."
