Now we know why Frédéric Leclercq left DragonForce. After 25 years with the band, bassist Christian "Speesy" Giesler has left German thrash institution Kreator and Leclercq has been announced as the band's newest member.

In mid-August, Leclercq revealed he no longer intended to continue on with DragonForce after spending 14 years in the band and playing on five studio albums, the latest being the forthcoming Extreme Power Metal. He vowed what was coming next as an "amazing opportunity" that would be announced soon and now he has issued a statement announcing he's joined Kreator.

"It is an honour as well as a huge step up in my musical journey," said Leclercq. "I’ve been friends with Mille Petrozza for over 15 years and a lifelong Kreator fan; I have to pinch myself every day to believe that I’m now a part of one of the best and most influential bands in the genre. I look forward to the many adventures ahead and getting well acquainted with the legendary Kreator Hordes!"

"HORDES! Please raise your horns in honour of our new bass player, Frédéric Leclercq - of legendary decent from power metallers Dragonforce," welcomed Kreator.

Vocalist / guitarist Mille Petrozza added, "Firstly, we would like to say thank you to Speesy for his time in Kreator over the last 25 years – we have accomplished so much, and I sincerely wish him the best in his future! A new chapter for Kreator beckons; Bienvenue Frederic Leclercq! Fred represents a new focus and hunger within Kreator and we’re extremely excited to have him a part of the Kreator family – not only is he an exceptional musician but a great human being which made the decision to have him join the band very easy! We begin in Chile and continue on to some explosive years ahead!"

Kreator are currently working on material for the follow-up to 2017's Gods of Violence.

Meanwhile, DragonForce have already confirmed that YouTube personality Steve Terreberry will be serving as their live bassist for the foreseeable future.