January 21, 2011
BEHEMOTH‘s Nergal left the hematology division of Uniwersyteckie Centrum Kliniczne (UCK) in Gdansk on Monday, January 17, four weeks after he underwent a bone marrow transplant procedure. Here’s his official statement: "Hey! What’s up! At last – one could say. After almost half a year of treatment in various hospitals, several cycles of chemotherapy, irradiation and a bone marrow transplant, I have been finally released home in a pretty fuckin’ good condition. I’m feeling ok, taking the intensity of treatment under consideration. That was not an easy period of my life, but, as I envisioned, I left the hospital victorious. I never considered any other options, but anyway, there were rough moments too… At this point I must express my thanks to the people who made all of those downs fairly bearable. My parents – thank you. You deserve a monument for all your love and patience. Dorotka, thank you for your heroic attitude, love and support. I can’t forget Doda’s fans, who made a gigantic effort for me and other ill people. You rule! Absolutely fantastic BEHEMOTH fans from all over the world were organizing various events to make people aware of what leukemia is. To all of you out there – my deepest respect! Thank you – the real heroes – Prof. Hellmann, Dr. Piekarska, Dr. Knopinska, Doc. Giebel, Prof. Holowiecki and all the nurses of the hematology division of the Medical Academy in Gdansk and the Oncology Clinic in Gliwice for all the professionalism and great hearts. My band mates for all the friendship and never-ending support. All my friends for sticking to me throughout the whole period of my illness. The list is too long to mention you all, but remember, you have special place in my heart." Nergal will now go through a recovery which will last for several months. During this time he will stay in his flat in one of the Gdansk’s districts. "Although the whole treatment went really good, as well as the bone marrow transplant and the post-transplant period, the next several months is the time when I must really take care of myself. Of course I will have plenty of time to recover, think about the strategy and my return to the stage – which approaches imminently (laughs). First of all however I must rebuild my physical condition… apart from that, I hunger for playing, I haven’t been playing the guitar for a half of year now! Really much to catch up, but also a huge motivation and a desire to work again at the same time. This year will be a really important one for me and the band!"
"Dark Meditations In Monastic Seclusion", the new album from US Black Metallers SHROUD OF DESPONDENCY, will be released on February 12, 2011. The band’s musical influences include among others KING CRIMSON, DEATH IN June, EMPEROR, DARKTHRONE, KATE BUSH, IMMOLATION, AGALLOCH, DAWN, NEUROSIS and MORBID ANGEL. www.myspace.com/shroudofdespondency
Melodic Death / Thrashers ABACINATE have just released their second full-length album "Genesis" through Epitomite Productions. It was produced by Will Putney at The Machine Shop studios. "Genesis" can be seen as a tribute to the life and memory of frontman Jason "Plunger" Sica, who died in September of 2010, as well as a testament to the strength and determination he shared with his bandmates. www.abacinate.net, www.myspace.com/abacinatenj