German Celtic/melodic death metal veterans SUIDAKRA have announced the departure of guitarist Sebastian Jensen, resulting in the cancellation of all previously scheduled live performances for 2026. With the live lineup incomplete, band founder and creative force Arkadius Antonik confirmed that touring is off the table for now — but was emphatic that the band's creative work continues uninterrupted.
In a significant development, former guitarist Marcel Schoenen — who departed SUIDAKRA back in 2007 — has rejoined the band to contribute guitars and clean vocals to the upcoming 16th studio album. Schoenen was central to SUIDAKRA's classic-era sound and his return is expected to bring a distinctive melodic and harmonic dimension to the new material. Antonik has completed writing all the album's music, and the record is currently expected to arrive in early 2027.
SUIDAKRA were formed in Düsseldorf in 1994 and have spent three decades crafting a unique brand of melodic extreme metal that draws on Celtic folklore and mythology, complex arrangements, and a blend of harsh and clean vocals. Their catalogue of 15 studio albums represents one of the most consistent bodies of work in European melodic death metal. Fans can expect further details on album recording progress in the coming months.