Sweden’s Rock/Metallers OPETH have announced that “due to conflict of interests”, they have parted ways with drummer Martin “Axe” Axerot. His replacement for OPETH’s upcoming tour with Mastodon will be THERION’s Sami Karppinen, who’s first show with OPETH was yesterday (November 16) in Asheville, NC.

You can read the official statement of the band below:

Also, at the video that follows, you can watch Mikael Åkerfeldt talking about drummer Martin “Axe” Axenrot’s departure.