Singer Erlend Hjelvik has announced his departure from Norwegian rockers KVELERTAK.

He explained in a statement: "The experience of building a successful band has been fun and rewarding but has also been equally intense and challenging. Over the years, this has taken its toll. As we've been developing personally and professionally, our individual goals, needs and motivations have changed, leading us in different directions.

"Though it is a heavy decision to leave a life I've been living and breathing for the last decade, I feel happy and excited to explore new possibilities for the future.

"Regrettably, due to circumstances out of my control, I am not able to perform the last four shows in Norway this summer. I apologize to the festival organizers and fans planning on these shows.

"I would like to thank Bjarte, Kjetil, Maciek, Marvin and Vidar, our crew, bands we've toured with and everyone else who has worked with KVELERTAK. Most importantly, I appreciate our awesome fans that have made everything possible. I'm very proud and grateful for everything we've accomplished as KVELERTAK. I am genuinely thankful for everything we've experienced together and wish the band the best of luck and success in the future."

KVELERTAK's third album, "Nattesferd", arrived in May 2016. The follow-up to 2013's "Meir" was recorded live at Amper Tone Studio in Oslo, Norway (KVELERTAK's first effort to be recorded in the group's homeland) and was produced by the band and mixed/engineered by Nick Terry (LINDSTRØM, TURBONEGRO, THE LIBERTINES).

KVELERTAK's third LP has garnered "Most Anticipated" accolades from the press, with Rolling Stone featuring it in the magazine's "25 Most Anticipated Metal Albums Of 2016" round-up. Additionally, Stereogum placed the new LP at #36 on their "101 Most Anticipated Albums Of 2016" while Consequence Of Sound included it in their "20 Most Anticipated Metal Albums Of 2016" preview.