Lead singer Sly leaves Van Canto after 10 years. But no need to worry as a new member is already found in the Van Canto camp!

Sly states: "Dear fans, friends and fan club members!

“Today I would like to announce my departure as lead singer of Van Canto. Looking back on 10 years of an unforgettable band history, full of countless memorable moments, I would like to thank you all for your support and engagement to the band, your singing and the many concerts you brought your energy to and gave right back to us. It was a hard decision to reach, I also had to make due to private changes. The spirit in every Van Canto fan and musician will remain in my heart for eternity. I will not die in Battle.

“As far as new Van Canto projects are concerned, I wouldn't say no to a guest appearance. It's all just a question of time management, how much I can be involved, and of course what the band's vision is.

“I wish Van Canto and everyone involved all the best for the future, and fingers crossed that they have lots of new surprises and wonderful moments.

“Just to say, I will have a smile on my face and a tear in my eye and leave you all with a resounding RAKKATAKKA MOTHERFUCKER!!! Yours Sly."

Van Canto comments: "We are all sad to learn of Sly's leaving the band, but we would like to mention it was not because of the famous personal/professional differences. Quite the opposite. Sly, you will always be a part of the Van Canto family and we would be delighted to have you along at one of the "positive surprises", you wished for us, on the stage or behind a microphone. Time will tell dude, but friends will always be friends.

“It is never nice when a band changes its line up and must tell everyone. We were going back and forth, but we noticed we all have too much energy and motivation to sing old songs and write new ones, play concerts, record in the studio, go on tour and to arrange plans together, rather than just quit. Therefore, we will be presenting our new lineup on the 18.08.2017; and we would be more than delighted to have you all continue to accompany us on the strange journey that is Van Canto.

“Sly, we wish you all the best - We're there for you!"

Their new singer is called Hagen. To compliment his stormy and gravelly voice the band calls him Hagel, which is German for "Hailstone". He is an outstanding young man with a fantastic voice, which has an impressive range, from the highest scream to the lowest growl and he is eager to RAKKA TAKKA your asses. You can already see him in the video message with a sample song called "Voice Number Seven" below.

And by the way Ike is back on board and will be active in the studio and at selected concerts, together with Jan, to bring some deep, double doom-a-bass to your ears. The band is already busy with preparing for upcoming festivals and tour, as well as a brand new album for next year.

Keep your eyes and ears open or as Van Canto use to say it: RAKKATAKKA, MOTHERFUCKERS!!!

(Photo - Frauke Bönsch/www.fash.de)