Symphonic metallers XANDRIA claim that they learned about singer Dianne Van Giersbergen's departure in a "surprising" way. On September 12, XANDRIA canceled its previously announced U.S. tour, which was scheduled to kick off on September 29 in Buffalo, New York and conclude on October 21 in Atlanta, Georgia. The band also announced that it had recruited Aeva Maurelle (AEVERIUM) to sing for XANDRIA at its European shows in November and December. One day later, Van Giersbergen released a statement saying that she was exiting XANDRIA because "staying in the band would cause further damage to the health problems the band has caused me." She went on to say that her attempts "to put band and management issues on the table… failed and have been ignored" and her "cries for help have been met with financial threats and emotional extortion," ultimately leaving her with "uncontrollable stress symptoms." On Sunday, the remaining members of XANDRIA released a follow-up statement, claiming that their decision to enlist a "temporary replacement singer" was purely an attempt to "celebrate the music we love so much together with you and us, instead of cancelling any more concerts." They wrote: "We are very sad about the situation that we and you, the people following XANDRIA, have to face now. "After we already had to cancel many concerts since July due to Dianne not being able to perform we had now been informed by her that she is leaving the band with immediate effect. This happened after we published news that the upcoming concerts will be played with a temporary replacement singer. It was clear to everyone, including Dianne, that it was supposed to be a temporary solution only. "We had to learn about her departure in a way that has been surprising us very much and with a statement in which we do not recognize ourselves in. "We have been very downhearted about not being able to play these concerts, and probably would not have been able to play for an undetermined time also in the future. For that reason, we wanted to play at least the concerts in November and December with a temporary replacement singer that can celebrate the music we love so much together with you and us, instead of cancelling any more concerts. "We always have been doing our best to be there for you fans, so we tried the same in this difficult situation. "Just as we always tried to find a good way to care for all members of the band to live the passion that is music, which can sometimes be difficult for everyone. Unfortunately, it seems that Dianne's needs and goals were drifting apart from the band's ones. "However, we are proudly looking back at what we achieved together and we are thanking Dianne for the great times we shared and everything she did for the band. We wish her all the best for what she is heading for on her future way. "We will live the passion we have for our music together with you all on our concerts in November, December and beyond! With a heavy heart, but at the same time looking forward to the future and to see you out there sharing our music with you." XANDRIA in 2013 parted ways with their singer of three years, Manuela Kraller, and replaced her with Van Giersbergen, who also fronts the progressive metal outfit EX LIBRIS. Dianne Van Giersbergen made her live debut with XANDRIA at the end of November 2013 on a Spanish tour. XANDRIA's latest album, "Theater Of Dimensions", was released on January 27 via Napalm Records.
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