It was recently announced that HAMMERFALL bassist Magnus Rosén is leaving the band. The following update has since been posted at Magnus' website:

"Hello guys! The new layout is coming, but before I have to share the news with you.

As you might have heard, Magnus is no longer a member of HammerFall. Two days ago Magnus told the other guys from HammerFall he was leaving the band.

Here is his statement about his decision. "Thanks to all the fans around the world who supported the band for 10 years. You all gave me very nice memories after all the concerts we did. It was a pleasure to get such a good audience like you guys! Without you we wouldn't be able to do record so many CDs and make so many tours as we did during the last 10 years. So thank you all.

It's important for me to tell you that I loved every single second I had on stage during our concerts! To hear your voice, see your happy faces and hear your nice words really made my day!!! It was a pleasure to meet each one of you before and after the concerts, sign your CD, take pictures with you and shake your hands! It was also very nice for me to use my fame to do my solo concerts for charity in countries like Peru, Chile and Brazil. With this concerts I got food and money for poor people and it was because of YOUR help!

Also for supporting me during my bass clinics in schools and in other projects as music against violence and music against drugs! I believe it's very nice way to give and take.

So it's time for me to be more creative in my career. That's the reason I left HammerFall. So from now on I'll give myself a chance to write songs and be creative in bands that allow me to. The years are passing by fast and is important for a musician to grow in the situation he is in! I hope that HammerFall will find a nice and good bassist for you all. And I hope our fans will respect my choice!

Anyway, be sure that I'll still be doing Heavy Metal! So keep your eyes open! Best regards, Magnus Rosén."