Nick Barker leaves Dimmu Borgir?

[asphyXy]

<font color=969696>DIMMU BORGIR Part Ways With Drummer NICK BARKER - Jan. 26, 2004

Norwegian black metallers DIMMU BORGIR are strongly rumored to have parted ways with drummer Nick Barker (ex-CRADLE OF FILTH, LOCK UP).

The group, who recently cancelled their Japanese/Australian tour, have yet to officially comment on the matter.

Barker joined DIMMU BORGIR in 1999 as a replacement for original drummer Tjodalv (a.k.a. Kenneth Åkesson). He has since appeared on two full-length studio albums with the band: "Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia" (2001, Nuclear Blast) and "Death Cult Armageddon" (2003, Nuclear Blast).
-Blabbermouth

------

I'm not the biggest Dimmu Borgir fan, but this really sucks for them. Nick Barker is one of the most talented drummers I've ever heard.</font>

[asphyXy]

<font color=969696>Norwegian symphonic black metallers DIMMU BORGIR have issued an official statement confirming the departure of drummer Nick Barker (as exclusively reported here yesterday).

Their statement reads as follows:

"Nicholas has been removed from the line up of DIMMU BORGIR. A session drummer will be used in the future. Don't waste your time speculating why, we have already moved on. See you on the road very soon!"

Barker joined DIMMU BORGIR in 1999 as a replacement for original drummer Tjodalv (a.k.a. Kenneth Åkesson). He has since appeared on two full-length studio albums with the band: "Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia" (2001, Nuclear Blast) and "Death Cult Armageddon" (2003, Nuclear Blast).

As previously reported, the group, who recently cancelled their Japanese/Australian tour, have been officially confirmed for the 2004 edition of Zillo Festival, set to take place July 16-18 in St. Goarshausen, Germany.

----

The fact that they think the talent of Nick Barker is expendable shows that there's more to it than a peaceful parting...</font>