Soilwork Announces New Bassist
Swedish melodic death metal outfit Soilwork has announced a changing of the guard in the low end. Longtime bassist Ola Flink has amicably parted ways with the group 17 years after he first joined. The bassist, who appeared on all of Soilwork’s releases since 1998’s Steelbath Suicide, will be taking time to focus on other endeavors, a press release stated.
Former Hearts Alive bassist Markus Wibom is taking his place and has already begun working with the band. He made his playing debut with them on April 30th and will be featured on their upcoming 10th studio album, The Ride Majestic. Vocalist Bjorn “Speed” Strid gave a statement about the situation.
“We all sooner or later come to a crossroad in our lives, when our focus of being fueled by the past, is just as strong as our visions of the future and we have to make that incredibly hard decision,” he wrote. “Where do I go now? Flink will forever be a symbol for SOILWORK and of all we were and still are about. That being said, we all could sense that he eventually would come to the above mentioned crossroad. He understandably and respectfully chose to step down. So, where do WE go now? Let me introduce you to one of the finest and most stand up people I know: Markus Wibom. He’s been a long-time friend and is an overall multi-instrumental amazing musician. He’s been with us before, on past world tours. He’s also an amazing character and I couldn’t think of a better person to fill Flink’s shoes, which indeed are very big… literally (Markus’ shoe size is actually even bigger, if anybody wants to know). Anyway, as much as I will miss Flink, I’m just as excited to tour the world with one of my absolute best friends. Thank you Flink, you will forever rule. Thank you, Markus, for taking this on. I know you will blow people’s minds, once the world tour of The Ride Majestic commences. Please give Markus a very warm welcome everyone!”
Wibom will be on tour with the band during their European summer festival dates, headlining tour, and the U.S. “We Sold Our Souls to Metal” tour.
