Sad news for fans of Dutch symphonic metal outfit Delain. Guitarist Merel Bechtold is leaving the band in order to focus on other projects. Read her statement below.
The guitarist announced her decision to part ways with Delain via her social media this afternoon. Her last show as a permanent Delain member will be at Graspop Metal Meeting in Belgium on June 23.
“I am sorry to inform you that on Graspop Metal Meeting I will play my last show with Delain. After almost five amazing years the time has come for me to focus on my own dreams. Because of my previous band commitments, my attention diverged from my own music and the path I want to follow, and I feel I need to give myself the time and opportunity to explore my musical ambitions,” stated Bechtold in her announcement.
She continues: “This is probably the hardest decision of my life, but in the end, it’s important to follow your heart and be happy. I want to thank my bandmates and crew, I will miss you dearly! Also huge thanks to all the amazing people I’ve met on the road. And most importantly I want to thank YOU for all those amazing and warm memories! It’s been a pleasure.”
Bechtold started her journey in Delain as a touring guitarist on their UK tour in November 2014 and became a permanent guitarist in October 2015. In the past five years, she released two EPs, one studio album and live DVD with the band.
A while ago, Bechtold revealed intentions to found a new project. Today, she presents the name of her new band: “I am already working on new material with amazing people, and I’m super stoked and proud to announce my new band… DEAR MOTHER.”
Besides playing with Delain, Merel is also a member of symphonic death metal outfit MaYaN and she founded a melodic death metal band Purest Of Pain in 2008. As for now, her main focus will be on Dear Mother – modern metal band influenced by artists such as Fit For A King, Dayshell, Architects, Bring Me The Horizon, PVRIS etc.
“More information about this will come soon. Also, you will still see me on stage with the MaYaN family,” adds Bechtold.
Soon after her announcement, Delain followed with their farewell post: “Today we are sharing the news with you that Merel has decided to leave Delain and focus on different musical ambitions. Merel’s performance with us at Graspop will be her last show as a permanent band member of Delain. We are aware this is very short notice, and this we regret for those of you who wanted to catch a last show with her as a part of the team.”
“However, this is a friendly departure, and we are respecting Merel’s wishes in doing so,” reassures the band. “We had an amazing ride sharing the stage with this fireball and we are excited to see the results of her new endeavours. Although we will miss Merel on the road with us, we realise that our busy schedules require loads of time and commitment, and we understand and respect her decision to focus on her own path.”
The band also revealed they won’t be searching for a replacement guitarist, saying: “We will continue performing live as a five-piece as before and look forward to finishing the work for our upcoming studio album, the upcoming festival season, our US tour with Amorphis and Anneke van Giersbergen and our European Masters Of Destiny Tour. We hope to see you all soon!”
We wish Merel all the best on her future endeavours with Dear Mother and other projects she’s involved with.
Metal Goddesses 