According to Theprp, frontman Abbath Doom Occulta (born name Olve Eikemo) from the black metal band Abbath publicly admitted his drug addiction and decided to receive treatment. On November 14, Abbath’s music concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina was reported as chaos. Singer Abbath performed in drunkenness; the concert ended up with a two-song performance. The band later tweeted a cancelation announcement about the remaining South American tour.

Based on a statement announced by Abbath today, it’s easy to tie the chaotic Buenos Aires performance with Abbath’s health condition. In the letter, Abbath opened up about his addiction issue and his determination to defeat it. “It’s no secret that I’ve been battling addiction. I have now come to realize that it’s time to pick a fight with this demon,” he said. “I’ve committed myself to a rehab program that’s going to help me get clean once and for all. I feel more motivated and determined than ever to win this battle.”

He also added a plan to go to rehab and cancel his scheduled tour co-headlining with Bömbers. The letter reads:

“Outstriders,

Throughout life you’re dealt different decks of cards. I’ve been fortunate enough to have been given the opportunity to live my dream, which is writing music, putting out records and touring the world, playing to fans all over the globe. For the most part it has been a tremendous ride, but there’s also been moments where things have gone wrong. Most notably during the recent tour of South America, where we had to cancel shows in Argentina and Brazil.

It’s no secret that I’ve been battling addiction. I have now come to realize that it’s time to pick a fight with this demon. I’ve committed myself to a rehab program that’s going to help me get clean once and for all. I feel more motivated and determined than ever to win this battle.

Due to my program, we need to cancel the December shows that we have scheduled with my other band, Bömbers. We do apologize to our fans that was looking forward to these shows. We will make it up to all of you, and we’re currently working on rescheduling these shows.

Right now I’m very much looking forward to be coming back clean, stronger and more focused and fired up than ever.

Europe and USA, you have been warned, we’ll hunt you down like a thunderstorm next year. Nothing is going to stop us.

Horns up!
Abbath”

Abbath was founded by former Immortal guitarist and vocalist Abbath Doom Occulta after departing from Immortal earlier in 2015. Besides Abbath himself, current group members consist of drummer Ukri Suvilehto, guitarist Raud and bassist Mia Wallace. The band released their second studio album Outstrider this July. Abbath will perform at heavy metal music festival Wacken Open Air 2020, in Germany next summer. The band also announced a 2020 tour with Norwegian black metal bands Mayhem organized by Decibel Magazine.