We have the immense pleasure of welcoming our new lead guitarist Stefan Johansson into Manticora. Stefan is not all new to the band, as he did tour with us 9 years ago, on the European tour with Angra. He also joined us for festival shows in both USA and Romania at that time. 
 
Stefan is a shredder in the vein of Jeff Loomis, John Petrucci a.o., and he is an overall positive and genuine guy, who will bring some good spirit into the band. 
 
Kristian Larsen:
 
I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Stefan some 9 years ago, and we did have a great time. He knows his way around that fretboard, and he is at the same time, quite tight and aggressive in his approach to the rhythm parts. This is a must for me, as we have a lot of parts in our music, which demand 2 tight rhythm guitarists. I am looking much forward to be sharing stage (and tourbus) with Stefan again...and I know the 2 old farts (Mads and Lars) do as well!
 
Stefan Johansson comments:
 
I don't have much to say, other than thanks to the guys, for giving me the chance to step into this awesome band. Manticora is a legendary band, having released 7 amazing albums, and having toured so many times. It was quite a ride, back in 2005 (debut'ing in front of 1200 screaming fans in Milano - my first show EVER!), and I hope this ride will be even more fun. I'm here to stay for good, this time around.
 
Furthermore, we are parting ways with bass player Kasper Gram, who has chosen other musical paths. A new bass player is already being found as this is being written.