DECEASED Parts Ways With Guitarist

After 22 years of playing in the Virginia-based old-school thrash metal band DECEASED, guitarist Mark Adams has announced his departure from the group. "I have had a lifetime of great memories playing in DECEASED for so many years," Mark says in a statement. "It's really crazy thinking back to how long ago it actually was when King [Fowley, vocals] and I first started this band. A lot of blood, sweat and tears has been given since then and I am proud of what we have accomplished. We had a hell of a run.

"This has been the hardest decision I've ever had to make in my life, but I know it's the right one. Even though everyone is living far away from each other these days and is moving on with their lives, we still remain family and of course, best friends. I wish everyone in the band the very best."

Commented King: "Mark has made a big decision to step down from playing in the band. We are all sad to see him go, but we are all family first and foremost and we respect his decision and support him 100%. The band will be carrying on, with Shane Fuegel stepping in for the new LP 'Surreal Overdose' alongside Mike Smith in the studio. This will be the 'recording lineup' for the future. Shane has done a tremendous job and has become family so quick with us. We all feel this is a great fit to the band. As for live gigs, we will be working in a second guitarist to play alongside Shane in the future. More on this as we get it together!

"I loved all the years growing up and writing/creating music with Mark and love him dearly. Sadly, life doesn't stay at age 18 forever and we all get older and more things enter everyones life at some point. He's been a brilliant player and a big contribution to the band in every way and he will be missed. But he's always gonna be my brother and one of my very best friends, and we'll always be just a phone call away. He's also gonna stay on and help with the website, which is great (if I can get him to put some more classic stories together for the 'missing years'). So the Chainsaw will still be on the attack in the world of DECEASED.

Mark's last show with DECEASED will take place in New York City on August 25.

In other news, King writes on the band's web site, "I'm starting a new label for DECEASED releases. It's called Shrieks From The Hearse Records and all DECEASED releases will now come from this label including the new record (which will also be alongside our good friend Scooter's Malt Soda Records). This is the new home of DECEASED releases and we are stepping down from Thrash Corner Records who have been superb to us in every way possible. I just now have the means to do our own DECEASED label and that's always the easiest way to handle things. A re-release of 'Fearless Undead Machines' is coming soon, followed by our new record 'Surreal Overdose'. More info as it unfolds!"