Drummer Jonas Ekdahl Steps Away from Evergrey’s To…

Roughly one month remains before Gothenburg melodic power metal outfit Evergrey drops their forthcoming album Theories of Emptiness and goes on tour in support of it. And while everyone in the band should be stoked to hit the road, drummer Jonas Ekdahl has no reason to, since he just announced he was dropping off the band’s touring responsibilities.

In a statement posted online, Ekdahl revealed that he would no longer be touring with the band, nor would he be involved in any of the band’s live shows moving forward. That being said, he will still be involved with production and songwriting within the band.

According to Ekdahl, the change is all due finding more enjoyment creating than performing in front of a different crowd each night. Fans planning to see the band don’t have to worry though, as there’s already been a replacement chosen for the upcoming tour dates.

His full statement is as follows:

“Over the last couple of years, my passion within music has gradually shifted from touring and playing live shows to the creative aspect of being in the studio: writing songs, recording, producing, and mixing.

“It has reached a point where I no longer find joy and excitement in touring, making it difficult to continue. It has felt like I was traveling away from something rather than toward something whenever we would go out to play. Instead, I want to dedicate my time, focus, and energy to writing, producing, and mixing. Therefore, I will no longer be performing gigs or tours as a drummer.

“It’s important for me to clarify that the lack of passion for playing live is solely the reason for my decision. It wouldn’t be fair to the band or to myself to continue doing something that doesn’t excite me or bring me happiness. Equally important for me to mention is that I still hold just as much love for the guys in the band as before. They will always be like older brothers to me, having taken me under their wings since I was 17 years old. I have nothing but love and respect for them!

“It feels like I’m going out with a bang in the most positive sense. I’m so proud of what the five of us have accomplished together with Theories Of Emptiness. The album truly feels special in so many ways and I hope that it will translate and resonate with you guys just as much as it does to me, and, I will still be involved in Evergrey in terms of songwriting and production.

“With all this being said, we have an incredible drummer ready to take over for me in 2024, and I can’t wait to hear and see him play! He’s truly exceptional, and I’m sure you’ll love him because behind the drums, he’s a beast!

“Thank you, thank you for everything!”

Theories of Emptiness will be available on June 7 via Napalm Records, but you can preorder your copy today.

Theories of Emptiness tracklisting:
1. Falling From the Sun
2. Misfortune
3. To Become Someone Else
4. Say
5. Ghost of My Hero
6. We Are the North
7. One Heart
8. The Night Within
9. Cold Dreams
10. Our Way Through Silence
11. A Theory of Emptiness

EVERGREY Live 2024:

Latin America Tour 2024
11.06.24 MX – Mexico City / Foro Veintiocho
13.06.24 CO – Bogota / Ace of Spades
14.06.24 PE – Lima / Teatro Kantaro
16.06.24 CL – Santiago / Club Chocolate
18.06.24 AR – Buenos Aires / El Teatrito
20.06.24 BR – Brasilia / Toinha
22.06.24 BR – Sao Paulo / Carioca Club
23.06.24 BR – Limeira / Mirage

Festivals 2024
08.08.24 UK – Catton Park, Derby / Bloodstock Open Air
17.08.24 RO – Caransebes / Gugulan Rock Open Air
31.08.24 GR – Rethymno, Island of Crete / Rethymno Rocks Open Air
02.11.24 NL – Podium Gigant, Apeldoorn / Brainstorm Open Air
07.11.24 CH – Sarnen / Urrock Musik Festival
22.-23.11.24 DE – Weissenhäuser Strand / Metal Hammer Paradise