Amon Amarth are back to being a five-piece, having officially named Jocke Wallgren as their permanent drummer. Wallgren has been playing with the band on the road and the group has now confirmed his addition.

The band found themselves in need of a new stickman behind the kit after longtime drummer Fredrik Andersson bowed out of the band in 2015. Andersson had been with the band for 17 years before his exit. When the band recorded their Jomsviking album, they utilized the services of session drummer Tobias Gustafsson, but Wallgren has been handling duties on the road. Amon Amarth made the announcement via their social media.

The Gods smile on Jocke Wallgren today.
Amon Amarth is pleased to announce that Jocke Wallgren is the new permanent band drummer. Jocke has been playing with Amon Amarth for all shows on the current “Jomsviking” world tour.
Amon Amarth comments, “We are happy to have Jocke with us as a permanent band member. He has done a great job for us on the current world tour, bringing excellent drumming with a positive attitude and great personality, something that will definitely benefit Amon Amarth for years to come.”
Says Jocke, "I'm super excited to jump aboard the unstoppable Amon Amarth longship! My predecessors have inspired me greatly throughout the years and I will do my best to honor the legacy that is Amon Amarth.”
Congrats Jocke!!!

The band will continue to tour in the U.S. through the month of October, then will spend the rest of the year touring through Europe. See their current dates listed here.

Amon Amarth's Johan Hegg Plays 'Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?'

'Beard Banter' With Johan Hegg and Zakk Wylde

More From Loudwire