Turisas recording new album, lose drummer

Turisas have announced that they are currently recording their new album.

The band is currently recording drums at Atomic Spa studio in Helsinki, Finland, and will continue to record in different locations until the end of January. Once completed, the album will be released in May 2013 through Century Media Records.

Additonally, the band has announced the departure of drummer Tuomas "Tude" Lehtonen. Lehtonen explained his decision to leave the band:

"Writing this message is very difficult for me. I can't tell you how hard it feels to step away from the path we've been walking together for the last 15 years, and to start a new era in my life without the band.

There are many reasons for me to quit the band. The stress from the years spent on the road and our different artistic visions have lead to a mutual decision for me to step back and hand over the drumsticks for the next guy. In any case, it has been a great experience and all the memories from along the road are something that I will always cherish.

The biggest thanks go to all the past and present members of the band, not to forget all the technicians and fellow drummers I've met in concerts and on tour – and, of course, especially to all the fans that have allowed us to grow to the level that Turisas is at today.

I wish success and good luck to all my bandmates and feel that I will never be straying too far away from the band. I shall always be proudly carrying the Heart of Turisas wherever I go. The man can leave the band but the band will never really leave the man. Battle Metal!"