Swiss folk metal institution ELUVEITIE have been nominated for a Swiss Music Award, having reached the final of the public voting.

Says the band: "Thanks to your help, we have made it. Eluveitie have reached the final of the public voting within the category Best Live Act National at the Swiss Music Awards. Now it is all about beating our two competitors LUCA HÄNNI and BASTIAN BAKER."

To support Eluveitie, give them your vote here.

Eluveitie recently announced Nicole Ansperger as their new violinist.

The band states: "As hard as farewells can be, as auspicious are new beginnings! We are thrilled to introduce to you Meri's successor. We consider ourselves lucky to have found a true master of Celtic folk fiddling! A full-blooded musician and violin player through and through, she has played countless shows over many years and also played as a session musician for many well-known acts (such as THE HOOTERS, for instance). During the last ten years she further made a name for herself through her engagement with the Irish folk rock bands PADDY GOES TO HOLYHEAD and ACROSS THE BORDER, but also the renowned medieval/classical metal act HAGGARD. Not only a virtuoso of the fiddle, she also plays the 7-stringed violin as well as the cello! So, ladies and gentlemen - please welcome to the Eluveitie camp: Nicole Ansperger!”

Nicole comments: “Dear Eluveitie fans, I am absolutely delighted to be Eluveitie’s new violin player. I love Eluveitie’s music and have been a fan myself for a long time. Is there anything better than getting to play for the band you love? I am looking forward to many sweat-inducing, incredible shows with you and the band. See you on stage!”