Omnium Gatherum vocalist Jukka Pelkonen has publicly announced that he was diagnosed with Lymphoma and will be stepping down from the band to tend to his health. Taking his place at live shows for the interim will be Henry Hämäläinen of Shade Empire and Halysis fame. The following statement was was shared regarding the matter on the social media of the Finnish melodic death metallers today, February 02nd:
“It is Jukka from OG. I have to inform you I won’t be able to participate on the upcoming European tour. This is because I have been diagnosed with Lymphoma. And now this serious situation requires my full attention.
But worry not. OG is a train which is not easily stopped. After a careful dialogue and consideration with my brothers in OG we decided to ask a talented individual to join the tour. He is Henry Hämäläinen ( @shadeempireofficial / @halysisofficial ). An experienced singer and a frontman. We think he is more than suitable to headbang with OG on this tour.
Here is a greeting from Henry:
‘Hi there OG family, Henry here!
While I’m truly saddened by Jukka having to step away from this tour, I’m extremely honored to be called upon in the band’s time of need.
The trust shown by the whole band – and especially Jukka himself – means a lot to me.”
As a silver lining, the tour is still happening in its entirety and we’ll make sure it’s going to be one hell of a ride! Even with this setback, the spirit of OG is strong, so see you all at the shows!
