God Seed — the Norwegian black metal band featuring former Gorgoroth members King (bass; real name: Tom Cato Visnes) and Gaahl (vocals; real name: Kristian Espedal, also in Wardruna) — has released the following statement to Blabbermouth:

“It has been rumored that Gaahl and King have disbanded GOD SEED. However, this is not the case. Gaahl has chosen to retire from metal music. It should not be assumed that this decision has anything to do with Gaahl and King’s working relationship. Gaahl has made this decision for his own personal artistic reasons.”

Commented King in a statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET: “There is no drama and there is no bad blood between us; Gaahl just wants a break from metal. GOD SEED will be frozen and I’m prepared to pick it up again when the time is right. Meanwhile, I will focus on other musical projects.”