Samael guitarist Marco "Makro" Rivao has played with the band since 2002, but has unfortunately announced his departure to explore other creative outlets. Makro played on everything from Samael's 2004 album Reign Of Light up to 2017's Hegemony, and adds that he's "been mostly a live interpreter for their music."
Current Samael bassist Thomas "Drop" Betrisey (Obsydians, ex-Sybreed) has announced he'll be stepping up to be the band's new guitarist, and that a replacement bassist will be announced shortly.
"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!"
If you haven't heard Hegemony just yet, do so below.
