"He will put the drumsticks away for good! He has made this decision because he just didn't feel like playing anymore. Gaia Epicus says thanks for all the good times and good drumming that he did for the band, and wish him all the best."

Mikael will play any shows that come up until Gaia Epicus have found a new drummer.

The band is currently looking for a replacement. So, if you are an excellent drummer who loves their kind of music, you can contact them for a audition. The musicians state that any drummer must be over 18 years old and live in North of Norway (or be willing to move if you're the right one for the band).

In other news: the band's new release, "Symphony of Glory", is scheduled for release in February/March 2005 via Sound Riot Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Satrap" was recorded and mixed over a five-week period at Top Room Studios (Tristania, Vintersorg, Borknagar) with producer Børge Finstad.