The bassist of the Swedish melodic death metallers has parted ways with the band.

It has been reported that there has been an amicable split between the band, though no reasons for the split have been given.

Frontman Björn ‘Speed’ Strid offered a statement on the departure:

“We all, sooner or later, come to a crossroad in our lives when our focus of being fueled by the past is just as strong as our visions of the future and we have to make that incredibly hard decision. Where do I go now?”

“Flink will forever be a symbol for Soilwork and of all we were and still are about. That being said, we all could sense that he eventually would come to the above mentioned crossroad. He understandably and respectfully chose to step down.”

Strid went on to introduce the replacement for Flink, Markus Wibom:

“So, where do WE go now? Let me introduce you to one of the finest and most stand-up people I know: Markus Wibom. He’s been a longtime friend and is an overall multi-instrumental amazing musician. He’s been with us before, on past world tours. He’s also an amazing character and I couldn’t think of a better person to fill Flink’s shoes, which indeed are very big… literally. (Markus’s shoe size is actually even bigger, if anybody wants to know)”

“Anyway, as much as I will miss Flink, I’m just as excited to tour the world with one of my absolute best friends.”

“Thank you, Flink; you will forever rule. Thank you, Markus, for taking this on. I know you will blow people’s minds, once the world tour of ‘The Ride Majestic’ commences.”
“Please give Markus a very warm welcome, everyone!”

Wibom himself added a brief statement on joining Soilwork:

“It’s a great honor and a true pleasure to play with such skilled musicians and amazing people! It’s going to be awesome to share the stage with those guys after all these years on the road together, and with the new record coming up — it absolutely kills!”