Abbath bassist Tom "King" Visnes has been on board with Abbath's solo career ever since its inception in 2015. King has now announced that he'll be exiting the band as Abbath and crew form their second album because the lyrics too connected to Christian mysticism. According to a statement published by Season Of Mist, King finds the lyrics inspired by Carl Gustav Jung "incompatible with the image of the band," which seems like a really strange reason to quit a band.
ABBATH -Official- bass player 'King' will no longer be part of the band, due to conflicting views on lyrical concepts of the upcoming album. The lyrics are inspired by Swiss psychiatrist, Carl Gustav Jung. King finds that Jung’s connection to Christian mysticism is incompatible with the image of the band.
King comments: “I wish the members of the actual band, label, and crew all the best for the upcoming shows and the new album. The music itself is nothing short of brilliant! However, I must maintain artistic integrity and respectfully step aside.”
Abbath will soon give an official statement about King's departure. No shows will be cancelled!
Abbath currently has none of its original 2015 lineup left aside from Abbath himself. King is gone, drummer Kevin Foley (ex-Benighted, ex-Mumakil) quit in 2015, and guitarist Silmaeth quit this year even though he joined in 2016. Abbath has since only recruited drummer Emil Wiksten (ex-Aeon, ex-Blood Red Throne) in 2016.