UK-based power metal band POWER QUEST has announced that vocalist Chitral "Chity" Somapala (ex-FIREWIND, FARO, AVALON) has left the band.

"We are sorry to have to announce that Chity Somapala has left Power Quest, making the appearance at BOA his last with the band. Chity decided that, at this stage of his career, he wanted to move away from metal to focus on his solo work which is more rock and blues based."

Power Quest mainman Steve Williams commented: "Clearly the last thing I wanted after releasing the Blood Alliance album earlier this year was to have another lineup change, having been through so many in recent times. Having said that, we all have to do what is right for us at specific points in time and we part ways with Chity on very good terms and wish him all the very best for the future. Myself, Andy, Paul, Rich and Gav have been auditioning potential replacements for the past couple of months and we have now decided on who will be the man to take up the frontman role in the band. We would like to thank everyone who has submitted recordings and travelled to auditions as well.

We are already hard at work rehearsing for the UK dates in November and we can promise quite a different set list to what we have been performing so far this year. We will be revealing the identity of our new frontman very soon... this guy blew us away at the auditions! The first shows with the new vocalist will be in Bedford on November 25th and Wakefield on November 27th, and the Wakefield show will be streamed live on the web!"

Stay tuned for further updates.

Power Quest, ELVENKING, BEHOLDER and SECRET SPHERE are among the acts confirmed for The Arctic Festival 2012 being held at The Bridgehouse2 in Canning Town, London, UK from Friday, January 6th to Sunday, January 8th.

Tickets: - 14+ £8 Day Tickets - £15 Weekend Tickets

For more details visit Facebook or check out the flyer below: