Utrecht, Netherlands-based progressive thrashers ALERION have issued the following update:

"It has been quiet over here for a while, but not without reason. In the period after the departure of our keyboardist Paul Bouman in October of 2009, both guitarist Bart Lubbers and drummer Lennert Stap decided to leave the band. More recently, they were followed by keyboardist Nathalia Hoogkamer, who had joined us in May of 2010, leaving the keyboard parts to several songs mostly unfinished.

Although Bart was only with us for a year, his decision to leave early in 2010 was nevertheless mainly due to his desire to play music not related to our music or metal in general. Lennert left the band some months later because of musical differences which had been gradually increasing for some time. We wish them both all the best in their musical ventures. We also like to take this opportunity to thank Lennert for his dedication and laying down the foundations to our music for three years.

Nathalia Hoogkamer of THRONAR joined us on keyboards in May 2010 and began work on finishing the keyboard parts on three new songs. Unfortunately, Nathalia abruptly left the band in January this year. We are sad to see her go and wish her all the best in the future.

As of this moment, Alerion is ready to rock again! We have been strenghtened by the arrival of Jeroen Nagel and Nico Lammers on drums and rhythm guitar, respectively, two experienced musicians who had both been watching Alerion for some time. To complete the musical palette, guitarist and main songwriter Bas Willemsen is now also writing the keyboard parts in our music.

A backing track containing all keyboard parts will be used live until the right keyboardist presents him or herself to us. Untill that time, we will simply forge on. The new songs 'A Life Less Ordinary', 'Colourblind' and 'Chains Of The Collective' are now fully finished. 'Chains Of The Collective' has been spiced up with a guest keyboard solo by Tom Gorissen of symphonic death / black metal band HYMIR, also from Utrecht, The Netherlands.

We can't wait to get back on stage. So before the summer hits us we'll try to do some shows. Two shows have already been scheduled (June 4th at Metal Front Twente, Nijverdal and June 17th at Little Devil, Tilburg) and are listed on the website. We hope to see you there!

Our brand new website has just gone online as well."

Check out the band's new website at this location.