Marduk have announced that Valkyrja‘s Simon Wizén will temporarily be stepping in on bass in light of the recent firing of Joel Lindholm. Wizén will be stepping in at the upcoming ‘Throne Fest‘ in Kuurne, Belgium, while former Marduk bassist Magnus “Devo” Andersson is expected to take over at several other shows.
Last week footage emerged online of Lindholm performing an apparent Nazi salute while onstage with the band during a May 13th show. Given that the group already have a controversial past with various allegations of ties to white supremacy, the Swedish black metal outfit were quick to fire Lindholm, at the time citing his “intolerable stage antics” during that set.
In a new follow-up statement, the band further blamed Lindholm‘s apparent drinking as another reason for him being let go. Speaking on social media today, May 23rd, the band offered:
“Slight change of plans: Simon Wizén (Valkyrja) is handling bass for us at Thronefest this coming weekend. Devo will likely play the remaining festival shows, except for Brutal Assault.
The recent developments have sparked mixed opinions, which is fair enough. Nevertheless, it bears mentioning that Joel‘s escapades in London were the culmination of a string of questionable behaviour.
Despite repeated promises to respect the alcohol ban he received shortly after joining the band, Joel made multiple attempts to circumvent this by drinking covertly. Famously, Incineration Fest being the most recent example.
We were unaware of his various provocations between songs – as well as the concluding striptease – until that video surfaced the morning of Steelfest. Watching the first ten minutes was quite enough for everyone involved to conclude that Joel’s time with Marduk had come to an end.
#herewegoagain”
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