Swedish progressive metal veterans Evergrey have officially announced the departure of their longtime guitarist, Henrik Danhage. The mutual split brings an end to an on-and-off creative partnership that spanned more than 20 years.
Today, on Tuesday, April 7, the band issued a formal statement across their social media platforms, framing the lineup change as a natural and positive transition for everyone involved.
“Evergrey and Henrik have mutually decided to part ways after working together on and off for 21 years. It is now time for a new chapter for both parties. We wish each other all the best for the future and look forward to new music from both Evergrey and Henrik. Stay tuned,” the official message reads.
The writing had been on the wall for some time, as Henrik Danhage previously stepped back from his live duties last fall. During Evergrey‘s 2025 run alongside Katatonia, Stephen Platt of Scar Symmetry stepped in to temporarily fill the vacant guitar spot.
Henrik Danhage originally joined the Swedish metal outfit in 2001 after receiving a call from frontman Tom S. Englund, who believed he was the perfect fit for the band. The guitarist made his debut on 2001’s In Search Of Truth, a record widely regarded as one of the greatest progressive metal albums of all time, largely due to his unique rhythms and riffing style.
He took a brief hiatus from the group in 2008 to explore other projects but ultimately returned in 2014. During his second stint, he served as a primary contributor to a string of standout releases, ranging from Hymns For The Broken up through 2022’s A Heartless Portrait (The Orphean Testament).
The guitarist’s musical journey began around the age of nine, heavily inspired by receiving Kiss‘ legendary 1975 live album, Alive!, as a gift from his grandfather.
Despite the significant lineup shift, Evergrey‘s momentum remains completely intact. The band is currently gearing up to release their monumental fifteenth studio album, Architects Of A New Weave, on June 5, 2026, via Napalm Records. The upcoming record was produced by Tom S. Englund alongside Vikram Shankar, with mixing handled by acclaimed producer Adam “Nolly” Getgood.
The highly anticipated album will arrive just days before Evergrey takes a massive step onto the global stage, joining British heavy metal legends Iron Maiden as special guests for two performances on their massive “Run For Your Lives” world tour.
Evergrey will also join HammerFall on the band’s upcoming “Freedom World Crusade” North American tour.
“Freedom World Crusade North America 2026” Tour Dates:
- Sep. 11 – Atlanta, GA – ProgPower Fest (Festival Appearance)
- Sep. 12 – Raleigh, NC – Chapel of Bones (No Evergrey)
- Sep. 13 – Leesburg, VA – Tally Ho Theater
- Sep. 15 – Manhattan, NY – Skyport Marina
- Sep. 16 – Worcester, MA – Palladium
- Sep. 18 – Derry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall
- Sep. 19 – Ottawa, ON – Overflow Brewing
- Sep. 20 – Montreal, QC – Petit Campus
- Sep. 22 – Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace
- Sep. 23 – Lakewood, OH – Mercury Music Lounge
- Sep. 24 – Columbus, OH – King of Clubs
- Sep. 25 – Saint Charles, IL – Arcada Theater
- Sep. 26 – Hobart, IN – Hobart Art Theater
- Sep. 27 – Green Bay, WI – Epic Event Center
- Sep. 29 – Denver, CO – Federal Theater
- Oct. 01 – Pomona, CA – Glass House
- Oct. 02 – West Hollywood, CA – Whisky A Go Go
- Oct. 03 – San Juan Capistrano, CA – Coach House
- Oct. 06 – Portland, OR – Dante’s
- Oct. 07 – Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw Theater
- Oct. 08 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
