PYRAMAZE have announced the departure of guitarist Michael Kammeyer and bassist Niels Kvist (pictured below).

Michael Kammeyer states: "I have for a long time now struggled to find the mental surplus as well as the sheer time to put into the large endeavor that Pyramaze has become. Back when I created the band in 2002, my private and professional life looked a lot different than it does today, and it has become increasingly taxing on me to find the energy that is needed to do all the stuff that I have to do. In fact it has become difficult to the point where it's not justifiable anymore.

I have had to take a long hard look at what I must do, to avoid a mental meltdown, and unfortunately I have had to make a hard decision - in fact, probably the hardest decision I've ever had to make. I feel the time has come to stop my journey with Pyramaze.

The band has been a very important part of my life for the last 8 - 9 years. I've built it from scratch, and I've been working my ass off to get Pyramaze to where it is now. So it is truly with a heavy heart that I now close this chapter.

However, Pyramaze will go on. Jonah, Urban, Toke and Morten have decided to carry on, and it is with a sense of comfort that I now leave the rudder in their capable hands. They are all great musicians, and I'm convinced they have some tricks up their sleeves in the songwriting department. I therefore hope that all of our awesome fans will continue to support Pyramaze.

I want to thank everyone who has helped the band through the years, fans as well as friends, family and business partners. I have always greatly appreciated your support. But most of all, thanks to my band brothers, who have made Pyramaze special to me.

I hope the songs that I've written will continue to inspire, continue to put a smile on your faces and continue to make you raise your metal fists to the sky shouting Pyramaze!"

Jonah Weingarten (keyboards) has issued the following on behalf of the band: "This is a truly a sad day for Pyramaze, with Michael and Niels announcing their departure. You will both be missed, and of course remain my lifetime friends. You have both made a tremendous mark on establishing Pyramaze as an institution in the underground power/heavy metal world. I love and respect you both as though you were my own blood brothers. You guys have created so many memories that I will cherish forever. I speak for all of us when I say these things.

With that said, Pyramaze will carry forth, and the remaining members will carry the task of songwriting and orchestrating band responsibilities. We will do so with the intention of staying true and pertinent to Michael's vision; A vision of brotherhood and creativity indicative of musical integrity and honesty. To me Pyramaze stands for something rare in the music industry, with so many bands so quick to sell out with just a whiff of a big record deal or a few extra album sales. We will continue to honor our true fans, those who have been there since the beginning with Melancholy Beast and Legend of the Bone Carver, in addition to those who joined the Pyramaze fellowship upon the release of Immortal. I am humbled and honored by Michael's faith in the remaining members to shoulder the responsibility of carrying on his vision, his creative child if you will.

I would hereby like to announce that my performance and writing input on our forthcoming album is dedicated to you, Michael and Niels."

Inner Wound Recordings recently announced the release of a limited 12" picture disc edition of the latest Pyramaze album, Immortal. The release date is March 26th, and the edition is strictly limited to 250 copies.

Michael Kammeyer commented: "We are very happy about this cooperation with Inner Wound Recordings. The business vision and integrity of this up and coming quality label from Sweden is exactly what Pyramaze has been looking for. We consider this picture disc release a great treat for any Pyramaze fan who wants a little something special in their collection, and we are more than confident that Inner Wound Recordings are the right company to produce a high quality product for our fans."

Side A:

'Arise'

'Year Of The Phoenix'

'Ghost Light'

'Touched By The Mara'

'A Beautiful Death'

Side B:

'Legacy In A Rhyme'

'Caramon's Poem'

'The Highland'

'Shadow Of The Beast'

'March Through An Endless Rain'

The vinyl is available for pre-ordering at the Inner Wound Store.