Terry Balsamo has left Evanescence. The heavy metal group from Arkansas will be sad at his leaving and will welcome a new member from South Germany, Jen Majura. “After 2 albums, countless adventures around the world and on the stage, Terry’s time with Evanescence has come to an end. As difficult as that is, we stand unified knowing it’s the right thing for all of us,” said the bands Facebook page. The band has been working with the same group members since the founding of Evanescence in 1995. Over the years, band members came and went, but when the original group member leaves, its more than just losing a leg of the band, but a piece of the bands heart. “I know you will show her [Majura] all the love and respect a strong, talented woman deserves. I couldn’t be happier to welcome our new sister to the band,” the group said about their new guitarist.

Terry Balsamo was also more than just a member of Evanescence. Balsamo also worked along with bands like Limp Bizkit and alternative metal band Cold. When Evanescence’s guitarist Ben Moody left the band during their European tour, Balsamo filled in for Moody on stage. He was also writing songs with the lead singer of Evanescence, Amy Lee. Balsamo was Amy Lee’s main collaborator for Evanescence and co-wrote most of Evanescence’s second album The Open Door including the album’s first single, “Call Me When You’re Sober”, and third single “Sweet Sacrifice”. He eventually joined the band after leaving Cold in 2003. In November 2005, Balsamo suffered a stroke from constant headbanging on stage that resulted in a blood clot to form in his neck. He recovered well and continued touring with the band, but he could not continue headbanging on stage so he would shake his dreadlocks on stage to mimic the motion of headbanging.”After 2 albums, countless adventures around the world and on the stage, Terry’s time with Evanescence has come to an end. As difficult as that is, we stand unified knowing it’s the right thing for all of us,” said Evanescence. “We will ALWAYS love you, Terry, and wish you all the happiness, health, and love in the world!” said Evanescence. But like most struggles in life, time heals all wounds.