French metallers Novelists have released a new single/music video titled “Eyes Wide Shut”. The song is the first single off the follow-up to last year’s Noir; additional details have yet to be revealed. The band said of it:

“This is the first song off of our next record. We wanted to come back to our heavier and more direct sound for this one. Hope you guys like it!”

The song is available for purchase/streaming digitally via iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon.

Additionally, the group have revealed that guitarist Charly is no longer with the group. They said:

“Also, anyone who came to see us live these past 12 months have noticed we were only 4 on stage.

Charly has decided right before the release of Noir that it was time for him to go onto different things in his life.

We respect his choice thoroughly and are deeply thankful for the 4 years he spent with us (8 years for some of us). We miss him already and would like to wish him best of luck in all his endeavours.

We are not looking for a replacement, we will inform you guys if that changes in the future but the 4 of us will carry on alone for now.

Matt, Flo, Ama and Nic.”

Charly also issued a statement:

“As some of you may have noticed already, I’m not part of the band anymore.

It was a painful choice but some personal reasons forced me into deciding to leave.

I’ve spent some of the most intense and beautiful years of my life with the guys and I’m sure everything will be fine for them knowing how much work they put into the band on a daily basis.

Today, I work as a full time graphic designer. So if you liked Novelists’ visuals don’t hesitate to get in touch with me to talk about your project.

You guys are not ready for Novelists next album, you’ll all love it.

Thank you all for the love you shared with me. I will never forget it.
And thank you so much to my 4 brothers ❤”

If you’re interested in checking out his graphic design company, follow CHT Designs.