January 20, 2010

Drummer Markus "Raelin" Peez has left Germany’s old school Death Metallers HATESPAWN. The band will continue on as a two-piece, as in the early days. Here’s an official statement that the other members have posted on their official myspace site www.myspace.com/hatespawnofficial: "We wish you all the best with your future projects! Thank you for a great time, brother! We hope you will always remember our killer days!"

Israeli Death Metallers SALEM have revealed the album artwork and final tracklisting on the group’s upcoming seventh full-length album entitled "Playing God And Other Short Stories". Also appearing as special guest singer on this album is the acclaimed At The Gates frontman Tomas Lindberg, who shared vocal duties on ‘The Mark Of The Beast Part 1’ and sang exclusively on ‘The Mark Of The Beast Part 2’. SALEM also did a rendition of one of Bob Marley’s most recognizable song – ‘Exodus’; giving it their own unique but nevertheless an aggressive touch with their version of the song. Tracklisting: ‘Drums Of The Dead Part 1’, ‘Drums Of The Dead part 2’, ‘The Privileged Dead’, ‘Exodus’ (Bob Marley cover), ‘Downfall Of Paris Part 1’, ‘Downfall Of Paris Part 2’, ‘The Mark Of The Beast Part 1’ (featuring Tomas Lindberg on guest vocals), ‘Beast Lullaby’, ‘The Mark Of The Beast Part 2’ (featuring Tomas Lindberg on vocals), ‘The Mark of The Beast Part 3’, ‘I Hate Pigs!’ and ‘Playing God’. "Playing God And Other Short Stories" was recorded at Harold Studios in Israel and mastered by UE Nastasi at the prestigious Sterling Sound NYC. On the explanation of the album artwork for "Playing God And Other Short Stories", SALEM skinsman Nir Nakav states: "The cover is based around Adinkra, a West African symbol system. The symbol we used is called Gye Nyame and it means "Except for God". This unique and beautiful symbol is ubiquitous in Ghana. It is by far the most popular for use in decoration and also a reflection on the deeply religious character of the Ghanaian people." For more info check out www.myspace.com/salemband.