Progressive metal band SIMULACRUM have separated amicably with guitarist Petri Mäkilä, who was a part of the band’s sound on both 2015’s “Sky Divided” and the new 2021 release “Genesis.”
Petri helped raise the level of the band to new heights with his musicianship and pristine technique. He also contributed to SIMULACRUM as a composer, supplying the new album with many riffs and solos. The band cannot emphasis enough what a great journey it has been together and the new album wouldn’t have come out the same without Petri’s contribution.
“With a heavy heart I have decided to step aside from SIMULACRUM. This band has meant the world to me and I recorded my first ever commercial album with them. Nonetheless, my energy levels are limited and I have chosen to focus on my career as an entrepreneur and keep my own music projects as a hobby. I wish the guys all the best in the future and from now on, I will be cheering them on in the audience and looking forward to what they come up with!” – Petri Mäkilä
As soon as Petri decided to step aside, the band started going through their contacts and arranged an audition for several musicians living in southwest Finland. The band decided to move forward with ex-AHOLA guitarist Antti Karhumaa. Being the accomplished and versatile musician he is, Antti was able to tick all the boxes in the band’s requirements list. Antti has already begun rehearsing the material for live shows and looks forward to performing with the band as soon as COVID permits.
Watch his take on the solo section of “Like You, Like Me,” found on the band’s newest album, “Genesis.” The album was released via Frontiers Records in February, gathering positive reviews from the media!
“I have always been a fan of many kinds of musical styles and have tried to explore the secrets of the electric guitar as much as possible. Besides, I have always been hungry for challenges and joining SIMULACRUM was an excellent opportunity to expand my musical abilities while getting my technique polished. When Chrism asked me to audition for the band, I was ready for this opportunity! We’ve been friends for many years and have loads of mutual favorite bands such as SYMPHONY X and DREAM THEATER, so I had a good feel of what I was expected to pull off. Luckily, I got the job and am looking forward to playing on stage in the future to the fans and making some killer music with these guys! Prog ‘n’ Roll!” – Antti Karhumaa
The band is now moving forward with rehearsing the setlist for possible Autumn 2021 live shows and the band’s main composer, Chrism, has started writing new material for the next SIMULACRUM album. Chrism recently announced that he would be on the new solo album by legendary DREAM THEATER vocalist James LaBrie. Fans of progressive music have a lot to look forward to in the near future!
SIMULACRUM 2021 LINEUP:
Niklas Broman – Vocals
Erik Kraemer – Vocals
Christian “Chrism” Pulkkinen – Keyboards
Nicholas “Solomon” Pulkkinen – Guitar
Antti Karhumaa – Guitar
Olli Hakala – Bass & Chapman Stick
Tatu Turunen – Drums & Percussion
