OMNIUM GATHERUM Vocalist Jukka Pelkonen Diagnosed With Lymphoma; Band Announces Live Replacement
Jukka Pelkonen, the longtime frontman of Finnish melodic death metal staples Omnium Gatherum, has revealed that he has been diagnosed with lymphoma.
Jukka Pelkonen, the longtime frontman of Finnish melodic death metal staples Omnium Gatherum, has revealed that he has been diagnosed with lymphoma.
The announcement, shared via the band’s official social media channels on Monday (February 2), confirmed that Pelkonen will step away from the band’s immediate live commitments to focus on his health and upcoming treatment. Consequently, he will be unable to participate in the group’s "May The Bridges We Burn Light The Way" European tour, which is scheduled to kick off on February 11 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
In a personal statement, Pelkonen addressed the "serious situation" but remained optimistic about the band's future on the road.
"I have to inform you I won't be able to participate on the upcoming European tour," Pelkonen said. "This is because I have been diagnosed with lymphoma. And now this serious situation requires my full attention."
He continued: "But worry not. OG is a train which is not easily stopped. After a careful dialogue and consideration with my brothers in OG, we decided to ask a talented individual to join the tour."
That individual is Henry Hämäläinen, known for his work with Shade Empire and Halysis. Pelkonen described Hämäläinen as an "experienced singer and frontman" who is "more than suitable to headbang with OG on this tour."
Hämäläinen also shared a message regarding the temporary appointment, expressing his support for the ailing vocalist. "While I'm truly saddened by Jukka having to step away from this tour, I'm extremely honored to be called upon in the band's time of need," Hämäläinen stated. "The trust shown by the whole band—and especially Jukka himself—means a lot to me."
Despite Pelkonen’s absence, Omnium Gatherum emphasized that the tour will proceed in its entirety. The band recently released their tenth studio album, May the Bridges We Burn Light the Way, in November 2025 via Century Media Records.
Fans and members of the heavy metal community have since flooded the band's social media pages with messages of support, wishing Pelkonen a swift and full recovery as he begins his battle with the disease.
The announcement, shared via the band’s official social media channels on Monday (February 2), confirmed that Pelkonen will step away from the band’s immediate live commitments to focus on his health and upcoming treatment. Consequently, he will be unable to participate in the group’s "May The Bridges We Burn Light The Way" European tour, which is scheduled to kick off on February 11 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
In a personal statement, Pelkonen addressed the "serious situation" but remained optimistic about the band's future on the road.
"I have to inform you I won't be able to participate on the upcoming European tour," Pelkonen said. "This is because I have been diagnosed with lymphoma. And now this serious situation requires my full attention."
He continued: "But worry not. OG is a train which is not easily stopped. After a careful dialogue and consideration with my brothers in OG, we decided to ask a talented individual to join the tour."
That individual is Henry Hämäläinen, known for his work with Shade Empire and Halysis. Pelkonen described Hämäläinen as an "experienced singer and frontman" who is "more than suitable to headbang with OG on this tour."
Hämäläinen also shared a message regarding the temporary appointment, expressing his support for the ailing vocalist. "While I'm truly saddened by Jukka having to step away from this tour, I'm extremely honored to be called upon in the band's time of need," Hämäläinen stated. "The trust shown by the whole band—and especially Jukka himself—means a lot to me."
Despite Pelkonen’s absence, Omnium Gatherum emphasized that the tour will proceed in its entirety. The band recently released their tenth studio album, May the Bridges We Burn Light the Way, in November 2025 via Century Media Records.
Fans and members of the heavy metal community have since flooded the band's social media pages with messages of support, wishing Pelkonen a swift and full recovery as he begins his battle with the disease.