Finland’s TURISAS has officially started recording their upcoming and fourth studio album. The band is currently recording drums at Atomic Spa studio in Helsinki, Finland, and will continue the recordings in different locations until the end of January. The follow up to 2011’s Stand Up And Fight is scheduled for a release via Century Media Records in May of 2013.

At the same time, the band is also announcing a change in the line-up. Turisas’ original drummer, Tuomas “Tude” Lehtonen, is stepping aside from the podium after playing with the band from the very beginning.

Lehtonen explains the reasons behind his decision: “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 different artistic visions have lead to a mutual decision for me to step back and hand over the drumsticks to the next guy. In any case, it has been a great experience and all the memories from being on the road are something that I will always cherish. The biggest thanks go to all of the past and present members of the band, not to forget all the technicians and fellow drummers I’ve met on shows and on tour – and, of course, especially to all the fans that have allowed us to grow to the level that Turisas are at today. Good luck and lots of success to all my bandmates - I 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!”

Along with Lehtonen, their current tour bass player Jukka-Pekka Miettinen will part ways with the band as he needs to focus on his own musical projects. The relationship with both members remains friendly and amicable. Their official farewell party will happen at Turisas’ New Year’s Eve special show on December 31st, 2012 at Nosturi in Helsinki, Finland.

Nevertheless, the machine is not even slowing down. Turisas are proudly welcoming the newest members of the band: their new drummer, Jaakko Jakku, has already started recording his drum parts for the upcoming album. The bass duties will be taken care of by Jesper Anastasiadis. Both are excellent musicians and great personalities and the rest of the band is already looking forward to the upcoming shows.

After finishing recording the album at the end of January, Turisas will spend the spring on the road. The rest of the year 2013 is shaping up to be very busy filled with festivals and tours. 2013 will kick start with Turisas being part of the 70 000 Tons of Metal cruise. The cruise will be followed by their Guards Of Glory tour throughout North America and Latin America. Support in North America will come from their label mates in FIREWIND as well as STOLEN BABIES. Check out all dates here.