HYDROGYN Members Mourn Loss Of RONNIE JAMES DIO, PAUL GRAY

Ashland, Kentucky rockers HYDROGYN — whose current lineup includes two former members of MEGADETH, Jeff Young (guitar) and James Lomenzo (bass) — have issued the following update:

"It's been a bittersweet past couple of weeks here in camp HYDROGYN.

"Firstly, we are deeply saddened by the passing of our mentor and dear friend, Ronnie James Dio. As a member of MEGADETH, Jeff Young was fortunate to share much of the U.S. 'Dream Evil' tour with the band DIO. HYDROGYN co-guitarist Jeff Westlake was also a close friend of the 'King of Rock-n-Roll' having had the rare opportunity to film and record many classic BLACK SABBATH and DIO concerts around the globe, with Ronnie's blessing.

"As you can imagine, we've been pouring through those very DVD and VHS archives over the past days, reminded in no uncertain terms of this artist's true genius.

"We all shared many personal times with Ronnie and he was always the consummate gentleman and professional. Often overlooked, his sense of humor and wit were among his most charming and disarming character traits.

"HYDROGYN has covered 'Rainbow In The Dark' in their concerts from the onset and we have all learned from the master via the many DIO and BLACK SABBATH songs played in various cover bands from our youth. This is not only a huge loss to the world of music and metal but a definitive blow to humanity.

"As we are in the home stretch of the recording and mixing process for our new album, we can't help but feel Ronnie's influence and presence looming over us and all around us, larger than life. We understand that we are just a handful of the countless musicians that Ronnie has influenced, so we consider the fact that we were blessed to know him, a priceless gift, never to be forgotten.

"We are also a band that's been touched by cancer on the home front as a result of Jeff Young's personal battles with 'the monster.'

"We urge those seeking to honor Ronnie's memory in some way, please donate to the Lance Armstrong Foundation's efforts to wipe out cancer.

"On another note, as fans of the band SLIPKNOT — we are further dismayed to learn the news of bassist Paul Gray's untimely passing. Although we didn't have the fortune to meet the man, we enjoyed his musical contributions and he will surely be missed by many. We are glad that our musical cohort, James Lomenzo, has stepped in to fill the shoes of Mr. Gray on the upcoming series of concert dates with the band HAIL! It's a wonderful thing that our musical brotherhood can merge together at times like these and support each other in a unified effort to carry the torch of hard rock and metal in a positive direction."

HYDROGYN is currently writing and recording its new album, "Judgment", for a late 2010 release. The CD is being produced by Jeff Westlake and Jeff Young and mixed by Jeff Westlake.