FORCE OF EVIL: 'The Band Is Hibernating Right Now'

March 3, 2008

FORCE OF EVIL, the Danish band featuring guitarist Michael Denner (ex-MERCYFUL FATE),guitarist Hank Shermann (MERCYFUL FATE),bassist Hal Patino (KING DIAMOND),drummer Bjarne Holm (MERCYFUL FATE),and vocalist Martin Steene (ex-IRONFIRE),has issued the following update:

"Good news for vinyl collectors: 'Black Empire' [originally released in 2005] is now available in a vinyl gatefold version. Only 500 copies made. The vinyl version of 'Black Empire' is now available from eBay.

"Other updates: The band is hibernating right now, and at this point we can't give more specifics about the bands future. All members are and have been quite busy with other things during the past years. Michael Denner has been recording guitars on a progressive rock album called 'Taylor's Universe With Michael Denner'. Martin Steene is active with recordings for a new IRON FIRE album as well as a new album with NIGHTLIGHT. Hal Patino is assisting his son Jackie Patino in getting his band MARY ANN COTTON established. Hal is also playing bass in the new heavy metal band DISASTERPIECE featuring members from KING DIAMOND and CRIMSON GLORY. Bjarne T. Holm is always on the go playing the drums for different bands in Copenhagen. And this spring Hank is launching his solo output called Hank Shermann's DEMONICA. The style is raw thrash and metal."

A special limited-edition run of FORCE OF EVIL's "Black Empire" album, originally released in 2005, was made available in the U.S. by Escapi Music in July 2006. The special limited-edition package included the brilliant artwork of Linda Bergkvist, plus a 20-page, full-color booklet, two rare live unreleased recordings as well as the video for "Back To Hell".

The video for "Back To Hell", which was shot on an island just outside Copenhagen, was directed by Swedish director Magnus Gothlund, who also held the reigns during the shooting of the 2003 DVD "Force Of Evil: Evil Comes Alive" (Escapi Music).

According to a press release, "Black Empire" as a whole "presents a brutal and aggressive metal opus, which pays homage to classic horror movies such as 'Friday the 13th' and 'The Omen'. Heavy metal and Hollywood horror come together as one sinister beast that is sure to satisfy every true heavy metal believer."

MERCYFUL FATE was presented with the "honor award" at the Danish Metal Awards 2006, which was held on November 18, 2006 at Amager Bio in Copenhagen, Denmark. Original members Michael Denner (guitar),Hank Shermann (guitar),Timi "Grabber" Hansen (bass) and Kim Ruzz (drums) appeared in public together for the first time in 22 years to accept the award (vocalist King Diamond was unable to attend the event due to the fact that he was working on the new KING DIAMOND album in Dallas, Texas).

FORCE OF EVIL's "Back To Hell" video can be viewed below.

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