Drummer Sander Zoer has left Dutch female-fronted metallers DELAIN "due to some major recent changes impacting his personal life." The band states: "Though he will be stepping out of the limelight, we are happy that he will still be active for DELAIN behind the screens and our friendship will continue off stage.DELAIN's new drummer, Ruben Israel, previously toured with the band on their U.S. tour with KAMELOT last fall. DELAIN states: "This is where we got to know Ruben as the great guy and great drummer he is. We are confident that he will do an absolutely fantastic job and warmly welcome him to the DELAIN family!"Ruben will replace Sander behind the drums in time for DELAIN's U.S. tour with SONATA ARCTICA this fall. Sander will perform all festivals with DELAIN until September, except for the June 6 show at Luxor Live in Arnhem where Ruben will fill in. There will also be a special gig with Sander in his former hometown of Groningen on October 24. Sander states: "Eight years ago I took place on the DELAIN drum chair and this is the best choice I've ever made, but now the time has come to take some steps back. I need more time for my other activities in DELAIN behind the screens, to develop myself, other projects and jobs, and family. However, I will not completely disappear from the radar; you might see me behind the drums at some venues or festivals from time to time. "I want to thank the DELAIN family for all the good times, and a very big thanks you to all fans around the world!"Adds Ruben: "When DELAIN asked me to join them on their U.S./Canada tour last year, I didn't want to let the opportunity go by. I enjoyed every minute of the tour, the country, the music, and the fans we met on the road. Also I became good friends with the band. "Needless to say, when the question came, I didn't have to think twice about stepping in officially and join the team to play the drums with DELAIN. "I can't wait to start this new adventure with DELAIN and meet you all!"DELAIN's new album, "The Human Contradiction", registered the following first-week chart positions:Switzerland: #24Netherlands: #25Germany: #40UK: #44Belgium: #65Austria: #82France: #106USA: #182"The Human Contradiction" sold around 1,900 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 8 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200. The effort once again features a guest appearance by Marco Hietala of NIGHTWISH and TAROT; George Oosthoek (ex-ORPHANAGE); and ARCH ENEMY/ex-THE AGONIST vocalist Alissa White-Gluz.
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