Latvian pagan/folk/black metal band SKYFORGER have parted ways with guitarist Rihard who decided to quit band due to family commitments anymore. He commented: "This has been fantastic time to be in Skyforger so long time, here I have had probably greatests moments of my life. A lot of work, power and dedication has been put into this band, but I feel that I need to take some choises of my life and underline priorities, no matter how hard is that for my heart."

In his place, the band have added two new members: Motors (guitars) and Kaspars, who plays various folk instruments (bagpipes, pipes, kokle etc). You can view a new band photo
here .

In other news, Skyforger will be issuing their new CD, Semigalls' Warchant, on February 3rd via Folter Records. It will feature Skyforger's demo album (previously on tape, sold out years ago) Semigalls' Warchant 1997 (all tracks digitally remastered) and additional four new bonus tracks, recorded in December 2004. CD will also have new layout and previosly unseen photos from band's archives. You can view the album cover here .

Folter Records has also released limited (to 500 copies) editions of first two albums of Skyforger: Kauja Pie Saules (1998) and Latvian Riflemen (2000) 2000 on LP for first time. All tracks are remastered and Latvian Riflemen will feature also previously never before available bonus track from 1999 recording sessions: 'Brother Rides To The War'.

Skyforger is hitting the road in February on the Ancient Flames Over Europe Tour featuring support acts SEAR BLISS and SALACIOUS GODS


February

3 - Berlin, Germany at K17

4 - Schwerin, Germany at Dr.K

5 - Dortmund, Germany at Das Zentrum/Scharnhorst

6 - Arnhem, Holland at Goudvishal

7 - Gent, Belgium at Frontline

9 - Prague, Czech Republic at TBA

10 - Stuttgart, Germany at JH Anna

11 - Innsbruck, Austria at Hafen

12 - Halle, Germany at Uhrenwerk

Other upcoming dates are as follows

19 - Riga, Latvia at Kabata (with HELLBOX, LOITS & MUST

MISSA)

April

28 - Derry, Ireland at Bound For Boston (with WAYLANDER and MADRA)

29 - Dublin, Ireland at Vodoo Lounge (with Waylander,

AFTERMATH and SOL AXIS) 30 - Belfast, Ireland at Rosetta

Bar (with Aftermath and OLD SEASON)


May

1 May London, UK at TBA



www.bravewords.com