Copenhagen, Denmark-based metallers, Manticora, and founding member/drummer Mads Volf, have decided to part ways after two decades of musical endeavours. The departing of Volf is a decision that has been long under way, but the split is happening in orderly fashion, and Mads and the rest of the band are still the best of friends.

Mads decided he simply didn't have the spirit to carry on anymore, with a business that seems to appear as an uphill battle for the majority of bands today. Moreover, he has been playing in the Danish party/metal band Red Warszawa for the last two years, and this has evolved to being his focus, musically.

Mads Volf: "After almost 20 Years with Manticora, I have made the decision to pull the plug. It has not been an easy decision. On one hand, it feels like leaving your baby behind in a traffic jam with drunk drivers. On the other hand, I can feel in my heart and my bones that this is the right time.

“I would like to thank first of all, Lars and Kristian for all the years. They will always be my metal brothers. I would also like to thank everybody else who have been involved with the band through the years. Manticora has been a crazy ride of ups and downs. I have experienced things with this band, that only a few bands will. Even though we never had the big break-through, I think Manticora have made some of the best power/thrash metal albums out there, and we always had a party whenever we were on stage. I hope that Manticora will continue their relentless mission to bring metal to the people.

“Last but definitely not least. To all the fans that have followed us: we could not have done this without you… I could not have done this without you. So continue, supporting your favourite band. Thanx.

“Mads out - Horns up, beer down. Ohh. And if you really miss me, Check me out in my new band Red Warszawa.”

Lars F. Larsen (vocals) comments: "We've been aware that Mads' involvement in the band has been declining for the past two years, so it doesn't come as a surprise to any of us, that he decided to quit. Nevertheless, it's a sad day for Manticora as Mads was a founding member (with Kristian and I). He is definitely our brother in metal and in life. He is one of the sacred people, that has the Manticora logo tattooed on his body, showing his commitment and dedication to the band, and he leaves a legacy of insane drumming for a future drummer to fill.....

“Mads has been fantastic to work with. He was involved in both musical and lyrical writing, and he is probably the funniest person, I have ever met in my life. The guy is insanely funny to be around, no matter if you're sober, drunk or both, at the same time (sorry - I'm not as funny, as Mads), and sharing 20 years of writing, recording touring and intimacy (yes, of course we have showered together on tours - and of course, I have had Mads, crawling - naked! - over me, in the tourbus, hahaha), will stay with me and the other guys forever. We have released 7 albums, played all over Europe and in the US on tours. We have played at Wacken Open Air, Sweden Rock Festival and so many other great festivals. Been there, done that - living out our dreams - together!

“The greatest of salutes to the man, who's also known as: Yig, Sdam, Madschine, Chewbacca, The Old Lady and so many other names. Thank you, Mads, and good luck with your future dreams."

Manticora has released seven critically acclaimed albums since 1999, and toured numerous times around Europe as well as in the US, and is currently working on their next album.

Lineup:

Kristian Larsen - guitars
Lars F. Larsen - vocals
Stefan Johansson - guitars
Sebastian "Ceppe" Andersen - bass
Drummer - tba

(Photo - Manticore website)