Swedish black metal veterans NAGLFAR have announced that drummer EFRAIM has stepped down from the band after 14 years of service. DAVID EKEVÄRN has been confirmed as his replacement and will make his live debut with NAGLFAR at the Winds of Agony festival this coming weekend.
EFRAIM issued a personal statement addressing the departure:
"After 14 years I've decided to disembark the ship of death that is NAGLFAR. While I've enjoyed every moment playing in the band, during the last year or so I've come to realize that I can't quite devote the time for the band that it deserves. Therefore it's time to step aside and let someone else take the helm. I want to thank all the amazing people I've met through the years — crew, fans, and bands. Last but not least a huge thank you to my bandmates whom I've had the privilege to wreak havoc and travel the world with. It's been a hell of a ride. See you on another shore."
The band responded warmly, wishing EFRAIM well while welcoming his successor:
"While we are sad to see our brother go, there's no hard feelings whatsoever and we wish EFRAIM the best of luck in his future endeavours. We are also pleased to welcome DAVID EKEVÄRN as our new drummer. You will have the chance to witness his savagery this coming weekend already at the Winds of Agony festival."
NAGLFAR are one of Sweden's most enduring and revered black metal acts, founded in Umeå in 1992. EFRAIM joined the band in 2011 and appeared on their most recent album Cerecloth (2020, Century Media). DAVID EKEVÄRN's first performance with the band at Winds of Agony will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Swedish black metal institution.