Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

ORPHANED LAND, via their Official Facebook Page express their condolences regarding the death of Century Media Co-Owner:

Yesterday I woke up to terrible news, a dark day.

Oliver Withöft, one of the founders of Century Media Records, passed away at the age of 49.

The first time I met Oliver was in 1997. Orphaned Land was looking for a record label and I was in Dortmund to meet the Century Media team. After a great meeting and signing a contract, me and Oliver was on our way to get some pizza and a beer, we entered into his Porsche he had back then and drove to what I still remember as the fastest drive experience I’ve ever had.

During the years we became friends, he always admired the concept and themes of Orphaned Land and at some point we started “skyping” very frequently. We always had great talks about life, politics, and spirituality. Every time we talked, his two cents on any subject were like a torch in the dark, he was a genius, definitely a mentor, and the best advisor I had.

Take for example the Orphaned Land’s band photo from the album “ORwarriOR”, where the band members wore all these religious customs, or take the latest album title – “All Is One”. It was all his advises behind the scenes. He was like a secret member of the band. He never asked for a credit, not even when I insisted on mentioning his name on some interviews, he always humbly answered: “The credit should be all yours; I’m just a fan who has the privilege to give you an advice”… After writing this here, I bet he would be very angry at me now.

Oliver, you were a great friend, a treasure to the music industry and the metal scene. I’ll always cherish the great moments we had, those great talks, the way you saw things will inspire me forever, and I am a stronger Warrior of Light, thanks to you.

With tears in my eyes I bid you farewell my friend,

My condolences to the family, Robert and all at the Century family.

Rest in peace.

Kobi Farhi,
On behalf of all Orphaned Land members.