It appears that American experimental black metal act Nachtmystium are calling it quits for the time being. According to various news reports, the band has canceled "live activities in the foreseeable future," parted ways with guitarist Andrew Markuszewski + synth player Sanford Parker and have gone into a "state of hiatus."

Nachtmystium have proven themselves as one of modern black metal's most innovative bands, compiling a decade-long discography which is nearly unparalleled amongst their contemporaries. The band exploded as an underground force in 2008 with the brilliant 'Assassins: Black Meddle, Part 1,' followed by the deranged 'Addicts: Black Meddle, Part II' in 2010. Nachtmystium's 2012 release, 'Silencing Machine,' acted as yet another creative success for the band, but we may currently be witnessing the end of the celebrated act.

The news broke on the Facebook page of Belgian festival Metal Méan:

Unfortunately, Nachtmystium have cancelled their european tour. Here is the official statement :

"We are sorry to inform you that Nachtmystium have decided to cancel all their live activities in the foreseeable future. The band has parted ways with their long time lead guitarist, Andrew Markuszewski, and their recording engineer/synth player, Sanford Parker. The remaining three bandmembers of Nachtmystium as of today are going to bring the band to a state of hiatus."

We're already woking hard on finding a decent replacement.

A recent article on Stereogum pointed towards Nachtmystium frontman Blake Judd taking a break from the band to focus on new act Hate Meditation. “Hate Meditation is my main focus currently as Nachtmystium is on somewhat of a hiatus for the time being," says Judd.

Although the above pieces of news don't necessarily point to a permanent breakup for Nachtmystium, the band's official Facebook page has been mysteriously deleted.

The self-titled debut album from Blake Judd's new band Hate Meditation is currently scheduled for a 2013 release.

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