Swedish progressive/experimental metallers THERION have confirmed that their split with vocalist Snowy Shaw (real name: Tommie Helgesson; DREAM EVIL, KING DIAMOND, MERCYFUL FATE, MEMENTO MORI, NOTRE DAME) was caused by his decision to join "another big band" — rumored to be the Norwegian symphonic black metal act DIMMU BORGIR (as first reported by BLABBERMOUTH.NET on July 8) — as a bass player.

"We are sad to confirm that Snowy Shaw has suddenly decided to not do any of the upcoming shows with THERION," THERION said in a statement. "This decision took us by surprise, because, up to now, we have had a great collaboration. The reason is simply that he has been working on an album with another big band (as a bass player — that came as a surprise, too!), who have now offered him a deal he felt he could not refuse. We don't think this is a good decision, but accept the situation and wish him good luck.

Shaw announced his departure from THERION on July 7 after four years, two studio albums, live DVDs and numerous tours around the world.

Shaw — who has previously toured and/or recorded with DREAM EVIL, KING DIAMOND, MERCYFUL FATE, MEMENTO MORI and NOTRE DAME, among other acts — was forced to sit out last weekend's show with THERION at the Rockharz festival in Germany due to sickness. This would have been Snowy's last appearance with the band.

Snowy has written and co-written songs for the forthcoming THERION album, "Sitra Ahra", which is scheduled for release in September through Nuclear Blast Records.

Shaw's departure from THERION will not affect the group's upcoming live appearances, as singer Thomas Vikström handled Snowy's parts at the Rockharz festival and will do the same on the upcoming tours in South/Central America, Mexico and Europe.

As a graphic designer and artist, Snowy was hired to oversee the visual aspects and help improve THERION's stage act and performance for the "Gothic Kabbalah" world tour 2007 and the band's 20th-anniversary tour.

Snowy is believed to have joined DIMMU BORGIR as the replacement for bassist/clean vocalist ICS Vortex (real name: Simen Hestnæs) for the band's upcoming album, 'Abrahadabra', and world tour.

Shaw told BLABBERMOUTH.NET on July 8 that his rumored collaboration with DIMMU BORGIR was nothing more than a "false and unfounded rumor, without any substance."