Hans-Jørgen leaves Svartsot

After almost 18 years, Hans-Jørgen and Svartsot have decided to part ways. We would like to thank him for all the years – the albums, shows and tours, all of the hours in studios, tour busses, at airports and the laughs and the memories we share.

Here is a message from Hans-Jørgen:

“Everything good has to come to an end. After almost half of my life, I have been a part of Svartsot and now it’s the time for me to stop.

I have been having a lot of difficulties balancing work, family life and band since I became a father. I always choose to be a present father and my obligations to my work and Svartsot have suffered. I quit my old job and got an amazing new job, but balancing fatherhood, work and band is still hard for me.

For some time I have delivered a subpar performance and given the minimum I could to get past in Svartsot, not practicing enough or not at all at times. And for that, I am sorry, both to Svartsot and our fans.

On stage I have always given it all I had as a stage performer and I loved to be on stage but not always the best as a musician.

My wife and family have always been supportive and pushed me to continue playing with the hope that I could make the pieces fit together and become the father and musician that I wanted to be.

This did not happen in time and this pattern of not practicing enough has been hurting me and the band’s performance. I have seen it but not fully accepted it, hoping it would get better with time. The rest of Svartsot has seen this issue and taken the decision for me to part with the band. I fully understand the decision and accept it.

And to be honest, it’s been killing me to be apart from my family and kids for many weekends, and it’s been putting me in a very negative state of mind. But stopping in Svartsot after almost 18 years is fucking hard. It fucking sucks to break away from my bandmates who I see as an extension of my family. But what is best for my family and the band is the most important. So, as of the 25th of April, I am officially no longer a part of Svartsot. I am sad that the decision was not made in a way that a farewell show was an option, but I do understand the need to have a fully committed band member and not just doing it because it’s how it always has been.

I would like to thank many amazing people, but there are way too many to mention. Thank you all for some amazing years. I have seen the world, met many of my idols, even toured with several bands I was fan of. And thank you to all the fans that I have talk to over the years, your kind words and support have always meant the world to me, when my mind what in a dark place.

Now, the book/chapter of me in Svartsot has ended and a new chapter shall be written by Kristian. And for me? I might just start my own book with a focus on traditional Danish folk music or maybe getting in to Slam/Brutal Death Metal which has been my passion for some years.

But for now I will focus on my family and my work and handle the sorrow of not being a part of mighty Svartsot anymore.

Thank you all of Svartsot and thank you to all the amazing people I have encountered with Svartsot.

With love and respect,

Hans-Jørgen”