CRAPPY NEWS: JESPER STRÖMBLAD LEAVES IN FLAMES

Well, this blows goats.

From In Flames’ MySpace page:

“I have decided it is best for me to leave In Flames and to quit the band permanently.

The last 17 years have been a blast, and I am proud to have been part of this great journey, with the most talented and amazing people anyone can wish to have the privilege to work with.

I’m also the luckiest guy in the world, to have the BEST fans in the world, who have been supporting me during my difficult times. It means the world to me, and I’m determined to fight and defeat my demons once and for all…. and by the help from you guys, I’m on my way.

I’m far from done with music, metal, or whatever my direction is taking me, so be sure to hear from me in the future.

.… May the Force be with you!” – Jesper Strömblad

A statement from the rest of the band after the jump.

“We are losing a great guitar player and musician, but in order to keep a very dear friend this is probably for the best. If this feels right for Jesper we are behind him 100% on his decision.

It is way too early to speculate about the future and possible replacements and things like that. However, we can assure you that In Flames will continue as a band, release albums and tour the world.

The door to In Flames is always open to Jesper. We are, and will always be behind Jesper 100% on his way to recovery.” – Anders, Peter, Daniel & Björn

You may recall that with one notable exception – a show in December where he wore a “Rehab is for Quitters” shirt (crappy screen shot above)  – Strömblad has been kinda-sorta out of In Flames for pretty much the past year, since he checked himself into rehab. Everyone always assumed he would return when he had completed his treatment, but obviously that’s no longer the case.

Strömblad is a founding member of In Flames, so there’s really no way to look at this as okay news. We can only hope whomever IF chooses to replace him is immensely talented.

-AR