FIREBIRD Parts Ways With Bassist

October 8, 2009

FIREBIRD, the British power trio led by CARCASS/ex-NAPALM DEATH guitarist Bill Steer, has issued the following update:

"It is with sadness that we announce the departure of Smok Smoczkiewicz [bass] from FIREBIRD.

"This split has come quite unexpectedly, and is due to personal reasons.

"We would like to wish him the very best in all his endeavors. It's safe to say you'll be hearing more from this outstanding musician in the future.

"As our appearances at Loud Park [in Japan on October 17] and Damnation [in Leeds, U.K. on October 24] festivals are almost upon us, we have spoken to a couple of old friends who have kindly offered to help out. We'll give you more details shortly."

FIREBIRD's fifth album, "Grand Union", was released in the U.S. on June 23 via Rise Above Records' new North American distribution deal with Metal Blade. The CD, which came out in Europe on April 20, was recorded and mixed over a two-week period in May 2008 at Berno studios in Malmö, Sweden where FIREBIRD's second album, 2001's "Deluxe", was conceived.

"Grand Union" features a couple of tracks that are "way heavier than the stuff from the last two records," according to Steer, plus no less than three cover versions: JAMES TAYLOR's "One Man Dog", DUSTER BENNETT's "Worried Mind", and a HUMBLE PIE number.

Check out songs from the album on the band's MySpace page.

FIREBIRD released its previous album, "Hot Wings", in Europe in July 2006 via Rise Above Records. The CD was issued in Japan on May 31, 2006 through Victor Entertainment.

Fan-filmed video footage of FIREBIRD's May 16, 2009 concert at the Underworld in London, England can be viewed below.

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