Long-time guitarist for Samael, Marco “Mak” Rivao has announced his departure from the band. It appears to be amicable and the band has announced Drop will switch to guitar and the band will seek a replacement on bass. You can read statements from both Mak and the band below.

Marco Rivao’s statement:

“Hi!

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 honour 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 em 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 awsome journey with Samaēl! ????

Take care, Mk”

Samael shared Mak’s statement on their Facebook band page and added:

Mak is leaving S A M A E L. The band regrets this, but accepts his decision and we wish him all the best for his future endeavors. From now on Drop will take over the guitar duties in S A M A E L and a new bass player will be announced shortly.