Delain fans may have already seen Ruben on stage when he joined the band on their US tour with Kamelot in the fall of 2013.

Though Sander will be stepping out of the limelight as Delain's main man behind the drums, he will remain active for Delain behind the screens and off-stage.

Ruben will continue where he started and will replace Sander behind the drums starting our upcoming US tour with Sonata Arctica this fall.

Sander will be performing all festivals with Delain until September, except for the gig at Luxor Live in Arnhem on June 6, where Ruben will fill in. There will be a special farewell gig with Sander in his former hometown Groningen, on October 24th.

Says Sander:

"Eight years ago I took place on the Delain drum chair and this is the best choice I’ve ever made, but now the time has come to take some steps back. I need more time for my other activities in Delain behind the screens, to develop myself, other projects and jobs, and family. However I will not completely disappear from the radar; you might see me behind the drums at some venues or festivals from time to time. I want to thank the Delain family for all the good times, and a very big thanks you to all fans around the world!"

New Delain drummer Ruben states:

"When Delain asked me to join them on their US/CAN tour last year, I didn't want to let the opportunity go by. I enjoyed every minute of the tour, the country, the music, and the fans we met on the road. Also I became good friends with the band. Needless to say, when the question came, I didn't have to think twice about stepping in officially and join the team to play the drums with Delain. I can't wait to start this new adventure with Delain and meet you all!"