Dutch gothic doom/death metal band ORPHANAGE have officially split up. The group's statement on the matter reads as follows:

"From recent internal discussions it appeared that there was too much irritation and a lack of mutual trust to be able to make a new ORPHANAGE product by the high-quality standards that the band has been known for throughout the years. An end has come to 11 years of 'innovative gregorian celtic groovy melodic doom death metal.' We've had a great time. A lot of special moments are in our hearts forever. We were there, YOU were there.

"Please send the news to all that have supported us in all these years, in what form whatsoever. Doesn't matter if you read this for the 100th time, just be sure that we want to thank YOU ALL!!!

"No ORPHANAGE without you; everyone that visited our concerts, that listened to our music, those who have worked for us, worked together with us, those who have shared the ENERGY with us . . . . forever: THANKS!!!"

ORPHANAGE's fourth full-length album, "Driven", was released in April 2004 via Nuclear Blast Records.

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