Drummer STEVO Quits Australia's DUNGEON

Drummer Stevo has officially left Australian melodic power metal band DUNGEON. Replacing him in the group will likely be Grahame Goode, who has previously played with INFERNAL METHOD and STRONGER THAN HATE, among others. Stevo's official statement on the matter is as follows:

"I wish to officially advise that through a mutually agreed discussion between myself and the other permanent members, after 8 years and 1 month I will terminate my position of drummer for the band known as DUNGEON effective Saturday, August 7, 2004.

"I won’t, at this time, describe the many facets & incidents that have brought this decision to light, as there are too many to mention that point to the main reason; being that over the last 2-3 years DUNGEON for me has not been a very happy environment, and the people who know me will understand the reasons for this permanent departure. For everyone else, all of my time, thoughts and events in DUNGEON (since 1996 to present) have been documented, so all may be revealed in the future should I choose to release them.

"I also won't go onto explain the work and business ideals I had produced whilst being a member of DUNGEON, as every member of the band has made sacrifices in their lives in their own ways to achieve the best for it. I believe that viewing DUNGEON at the level it has now become is enough evidence to say that my work, ideals and decision-making has definitely paid off.

"I'd like to thank all the people who have helped in supporting the business of DUNGEON; promoters, bands, record companies, investors, media, reviewers, etc. (you know who you all are). I'd like to thank the friends and fans whom had come out to see DUNGEON play live, and those whom had bought DUNGEON merchandise — without your support DUNGEON would not have been able to sustain itself to get to the level it's at now. Every cent had been kept within the band and spent only on its furtherment.

"I'd like to also personally thank the network of people whom assisted and supported me in making my initiatives a reality; don't worry, folks, I'm still going to be around.

"I'd also like to thank the unending efforts of DUNGEON's manager Steve Ravic, as his everlasting commitment is the reason DUNGEON is now at the international level — thank you, mate! I've never been unappreciative of your hard work, and I've never known a more deserving business partner.

"I'm sure DUNGEON will continue from strength to strength in supporting Australian metal in the future. My successor, I've been told, has been waiting in the wings ever since I referred him to the band as a fill-in — I'm definitely sure he'll take good care of the drummer’s position and keep the stool warm by providing exemplary playing. Good luck, mate, I hope you find what you're looking for.

"So, in finishing, one piece of wisdom about life in general: 'Things happen in life for a reason. We define ourselves by the actions we take in dealing with those things, and in return grow from them. In our linear existence, we only have one shot, so actions must be correct as there's no going back.'

"I wish only the best for DUNGEON, and that they take themselves 'all the way' in becoming the best internationally acclaimed metal act Australia has ever had to offer — bow to no-one, and educate the world in the ways of the Southern Cross.

"So to Tim, Stu and Steve, as well as ex-members Dakk, Dale & Juz… thank you for having me be a part of DUNGEON. Good luck to you all."

(Thanks: HailMetal.com / PyroMusic.net)