There has been quite a bit of activity happening with Swedish metallers In Flames after the release of their twelfth studio album Battles less than a month ago. They embarked a co-headlining tour with Hellyeah that we were able to document earlier this month, and Battles became their highest-charting record yet. While things have been appearing to go well for them, despite a few mixed opinions on their new album, longtime bassist Peter Iwers announced today that he’s leaving the  band following the conclusion of the tour, which wraps up December 19th. Iwers had been with the group since 1999’s Colony. You can read his statement that he wrote on Facebook below.

“Friends, I have decided to leave In Flames to pursue other endeavours.

As a result, this current US tour will be my last one with In Flames so if you are around, come and say hi.

It has been almost 20 years of fun and I am eternally grateful to you all for all the support you have given me and the rest of the guys throughout all these years.

You made it all possible.

Now is the time for me to move on with other musical and non musical adventures.

I wish the very best to Niclas, Anders, Björn & Joe.

Hope to see all you Jesterheads down the road in my future endeavors.

Follow my instagram @peteriwers for updates

May the force be with you

Sincerely,

Peter”

There’s no word on who Iwers’ replacement will be, but the band starts touring again in the UK on January 10th.