Swedish black/death metallers DARK FUNERAL earlier announced their replacement for vocalist Emperor Magus Caligula, NEGATOR frontman Nachtgarm.

Negator now check in with the following statement:

"It is with great excitement that we recently learned that our vocalist, Nachtgarm, is from now joining our black metal comrades Dark Funeral as a permanent member. There he is also in charge of what he is best at: confronting the world, breathing fire and brimstone and simply hooting down everything around.

However, to get one thing clear right away: Negator will of course continue the successful path we have taken. Nachtgarm will of course lead our battalion further on and will remain the singer of Negator. An assumed double burden is simply non-existent.

Consequently, we can assure every single one of you that all confirmed festival shows (With Full Force, Eisenwahn Festival, Wacken Open Air) will happen just as planned.

Furthermore, the work concerning the successor of Panzer Metal will continue with great enthusiasm and relentless diligence. That Nachtgarm is now among the ranks of one of black metal’s most influential bands of all time, is also complementing his work with Negator.

The tank keeps rolling. Irresistible. More than ever. Today until the very end of days, only one thing shall be the law: Panzer Forever Panzer! "

Dark Funeral's previous update from guitarist Lord Ahriman states:

"I must admit that it surely was not an easy task to find a worthy replacement for Emperor Magus Caligula, who has been doing an amazing job for Dark Funeral during the past 15 years. He has not only been "the vocalist" for the band, but also a very good friend of mine and he always will be!

Anyway, 10 months of intense search worldwide have finally given result. And I'm VERY proud to announce and welcome Nachtgarm (NEGATOR) to the horde.

I think, I can speak for everyone in the band and say that besides completely knocking us down with the strength of his vocals and wide register, what truly blew us away was his presence, energy and the amazing spirit he showed during the final audition. He just came into the rehearsal room, found and took his rightful spot. And then just set the whole place on hellfire!

It's really hard to explain "that" certain feeling one is looking for, but once you get it, you just know that you've found the right man for the job. And that is something we all got “deluxe”. No doubt about that! Mankind has no idea what is coming upon them. And I can't wait to bring this maniac on tour for the world to experience Dark Funeral in the most intense and hellish way ever!

During the 10 month we have been looking for a new vocalist and drummer, we have received over 1,000 applications. The interest to join Dark Funeral has been way over expectation and quite overwhelming to say the least. And I'd like to take this opportunity to thank EVERYONE who applied for the jobs. One thing is for sure: There are a lot of unknown talents out there. And once they've found the right band to deliver their goods, I'm sure we all will hear from many of these guys in the future. Good luck!"

Says guitarist Chaq Mol: "When E.M.Caligula quit the band my first thought was, 'how the fuck will we be able to find a worthy replacement now?'. In my eyes he was the best vocalist in the black metal scene. Anyhow, after we had listened through a couple of hundreds applicants, there were two guys that really stood out and sounded very promising indeed. The question now was, would they nail it on a live audition too, and would their personalities be of that kind we were looking for?! Well, after 10 month search we finally found the right man for the job! And all my previous doubts and concerns are now a memory forgotten. Nachtgarm, welcome to the horde!"

Nachtgarm comments: "To me, Dark Funeral is the epitome of black metal. To be a member of this institution now, is not only a big honor for me, but is also complementing my work as a lead singer as well as my action at the front of the stage throughout the years. Consequently, I am very glad that Dark Funeral put their unholy faith in me and my abilities. As the successor of Emperor Magus Caligula I am quite aware of the high expectations being directed to my person. However, I can assure every one of you out there, that with every breath I take I will live up to these expectations. Hands down. This is the arrival of Satan’s Empire. Now let us set this world aflame!"

Dark Funeral previously issued the following message from returning drummer, Dominator:

"After a short break of focusing on other aspects of my life, it’s a great privilege for me to announce my return to Dark Funeral. The time off has fueled my inspiration and urge to get back behind the kit and annihilate. It’s an honour to play alongside my fellow brothers again. May Dark Funeral rise to Dominate once more."

Leader Lord Ahriman comments: "It feels absolutely killer to be working with Dominator again. He's not only an amazing drummer, but also a very good friend. And I'm glad he's back in the band. A massive welcome back brother! Now, let's together set the world ablaze and conquer the universe once and for all!"

Dark Funeral guitarist Chaq Mol comments: "Finally, a missing brother is back from his walkabout. And the search for a drummer is officially over. Once again we have the honor to play with the best drummer ever. Welcome back Dominator, my brother!"

In other news, Dark Funeral have announced their confirmation for 70000 Tons Of Metal, which will sail Monday, January 23rd, 2012 aboard the Royal Caribbean Majesty Of The Seas from Miami FL to George Town, Cayman Islands and will not return you to the real world for four days until Friday, January 27th, 2012.

So far 14 out of a total of 40 bands on board are known:

AMORPHIS

CORONER

DARK FUNERAL

ELUVEITIE

GRAVE DIGGER

IN EXTREMO

MOONSORROW

MY DYING BRIDE

NIGHTWISH

PESTILENCE

SAMAEL

STRATOVARIUS

THERION

TRISTANIA

Ticket prices start at US$666 plus US$289 taxes and fees per person and include all on-board entertainment, non-alcoholic and non-carbonated beverages, all meals at the dining rooms, most on-board restaurants and even 24 hr. room service!

Check out 70000tons.com for more information.