Guitarist Martin Haglund has left Swedish metallers ASTRAL DOORS. He explains in a statement, "This decision has not been easy to make, but its needed. I have reached a point where I feel I have to focus more on my kids and support them in their hobbies and interests, [and] by doing that I'm not able to give ASTRAL DOORS. Being a member of ASTRAL DOORS has given me experiences and memories that I'll bring to the grave. I am truly proud of my time in ASTRAL DOORS and what we have accomplished and brought to the hard-rock scene.

Thanks and hugs to all of you!! Now ASTRAL DOORS will reload and hit you harder then ever!!" 100%. I don't want to be the one that's holding the band back so I let go. I will continue playing, writing and record music but on a more suitable level. I'll keep the metal flowing that's for sure."

Adds ASTRAL DOORS singer Nils Patrik Johansson: "Martin is a great guy and we wish him all the best. He did a great job with the mixing of our previous album, that's for sure. Hope the job he did with that album will open a lot of doors for him as a producer. ASTRAL DOORS will not bring in a new guitar player in the band to replace Martin: Joachim Nordlund (the founder of ASTRAL DOORS, together with Johan Lindstedt and Nils Patrik Johansson) will from now on handle all guitars himself."

Source: www.Blabbermouth.Net