It was announced earlier this week that Dubai-based extreme metallers Nervecell had split, with guitarist Barney Ribeiro moving forward under the band name. Guitarist Rami H. Mustafa (pictured left) has issued the following statement regarding his departure.  

"After 20 years with Nervecell – more than half my lifetime – I have decided to leave. As one of the band's pillars and partners, I have long dedicated myself and sacrificed everything for Nervecell. Leading, composing, writing, producing, recording, managing, financing, touring and everything in between, together with a team of dedicated musicians and friends, we shared the same vision to make music out of pure passion and bring it from the underground D.I.Y scene in Dubai, all the way to the biggest stages of the international metal world. For two decades, Nervecell was my identity and I was Nervecell’s. I lived and breathed the band and gave everything I had for it.

The decision to leave was purely my own and truthfully is because I have grown as a musician and as an artist. Every artist goes through a journey that ebbs and flows differently. I felt that this was my time to spread my wings. I never thought that Nervecell would ever exist without the three of us together. But I am extremely happy that the band will continue and forge a new path forward.

I must thank my brothers and former bandmates Rajeh 'James' Khazaal and Barney Ribeiro. We have accomplished so much during our time together, creating music, touring the world, and following our dreams. We have been on a roller coaster of a life that can't be experienced again, and I am forever grateful. All the best on your future journeys.

I want to personally thank our fans, friends, families, record labels Lifeforce Records and Metal East Records, Center Stage Management, endorsers, promoters, media outlets, live drummers, sound engineers, tour managers, roadies, photographers, videographers, the bands we toured and shared stages with worldwide, and all the acquaintances we made along the way. Our success would not have been possible without your support.  

Ultimately, it is natural for me to evolve musically and now is the right time to launch my solo music career. Besides that, I'll be busy with my recording studio and record label, Shredders Planet REC, where I'll be releasing my music, side projects and with other artists. Now I’m starting a new chapter in my musical journey and so excited for what the future holds.

You can follow me on my personal pages to stay up to date with my upcoming projects and news. See you on the road soon!"