After 17 years in the band, Amorphis's low end master Niclas Etelävuori has announced his resignation. In a statement given by the band, Amorphis claims there's "no bad blood, no hard feelings" between Etelävuori and themselves, though they also point out that "some people don’t get along with each other, that’s life." So maybe not bad blood between the entire band and Etelävuori, but something certainly isn't sitting right in that situation.
There are a lot of things happening right now in Amorphis camp but the saddest part is that our dear brother Niclas Etelävuori has decided to part ways with Amorphis. His decision has nothing to do with the band, no bad blood, no hard feelings between us so it is better that you read his statement and thoughts below. It’s really hard to describe the feelings everyone is going through right now, especially when we have worked as a family with him for so many years. People should understand that Amorphis has always been a democratic band and it’s pretty obvious that not all choices can please everyone. Some people don’t get along with each other, that’s life. The focus and all decisions have still aimed for the greater good and only what is best for Amorphis. We will continue with our current management as we feel that there is no distrust between us whatsoever.
Right, so Amorphis's statement is fairly formless, maybe even amorphous, in that it doesn't quite let on what happened. In Etelävuori's statement, he flat out states that mismanagement of the band is the reason he quit, and says to "never let your booking agent be your manager." So yeah, I think it's safe to say that maybe the problem isn't with someone in the band, but the management the rest of the band was happy with.
Hello everyone,
I’ve been avoiding hanging on Facebook since it was invented but now I feel it’s probably the only way to get my message out as intended so I have to start now.
I’m very very sad to inform you that after 17 years I’ve decided to leave my duties as bass player of Amorphis. This is probably the hardest decision I ever made in my life. I still love the music and the guys and the crew are still my brothers and I wish them all all the best in the future. There’s absolutely no bad blood between us.
The reason for my departure is 100% due to the (mis)management of the band. It probably sounds crazy to most of you, but that’s how it is (music business can sometimes be very complicated). I got the guy his job back in the day and now I only heard lies and bullshit for the last many years, I just had enough so I gotta go I can’t work or live like that. It is pretty obvious to me that the manager only works for his own best interest not for the bands best interest, and that’s not how it should be.
Strange enough for me “most” of the band still wants to continue on this path so I better find another one.
We all gotta do what we believe in and I don’t believe in our manager anymore. I have left the door open if the band would decide to change things.
Staying true to yourself is most important in life and that’s what I’m trying to do, you only live once and life is too short for bullshit. I could probably write a book about it but I’ll save that for later now I’m too tired and I have to look for a new job.
I’d like to thank all the fans, companies, people I’ve met and worked with all over the world over the years it’s been a blast. I hope we meet again some sunny day.
Regards,
Niclasp.s. Bands never let your booking agent be your manager!!! (just a little advice, that we didn’t take)
Amorphis has announced that it has re-recruited bassist Olli-Pekka Laine, who was the band's founding bassist and who left in 2000.
