Der langjährige Gitarrist Marco „Mak“ Rivao verlässt die Schweizer Black Metal Institution Samael. Um etwas anderes zu machen wie auf der offiziellen Webseite zu entnehmen ist. Die Walliser, die mit ihren Alben sogar regelmässig die Schweizer Charts knacken, suchen aber nicht einen neuen Gitarristen. Diesen Posten wird ab sofort der bisherige Bassist Thomas „Drop“ Betrisey übernehmen. Dafür wird jetzt ein neuer Mann für den Tieftöner gesucht. Hier noch das komplette Statement von Marco, wie es auf deren Webseite veröffentlicht wurde

“As some of you might know I’ve spent the last 16 years playing guitar for Samaël.

During those years I had the chance to meet lots of lovely people/fans, which in some cases turned into friendships, and so this statement goes to all of you.

I’ve always been a fan of Passage, Rebellion, Ceremony of opposites and when I received a phone call in 2002 from Samaël asking me if I’d like to join the band, it felt like an honor and also a chance to make a living out of music.

All together we’ve shared a great amount of good times and I’d like to thank everyone of you for making these moments real.

Samaël is Vorph and Xy’s story and I’ve been mostly a live interpreter for their music, and I’d like to thank them too for offering me this opportunity.

Now it is time for me do something different and so I am leaving Samaël.

Vorph, Xy, Drop and all of the outstanding crew members I’ve worked with during those years are like family to me and so it shall remain.

Thanks again to all of you for making these past years such an awesome journey with Samaēl!”