It's Official: MACHINE HEAD Enlist VIO-LENCE Axeman For European Tour

As first reported here on May 21st, MACHINE HEAD have officially recruited VIO-LENCE/TECHNOCRACY axeman Phil Demmel to fill in for recently-departed Ahrue Luster, who left the group due to "creative differences".

Demmel, a former bandmate of MACHINE HEAD frontman Robert Flynn during the classic VIO-LENCE days, will join Flynn, drummer Dave McClain and bassist Adam Duce on their upcoming European jaunt before the Bay Area act commence the songwriting process for their fifth full-length CD.

Although Phil will assist the group during the upcoming live performances, there are no plans for him to become a permanent member of the band.

MACHINE HEAD are not actively seeking a permanent replacement for Luster and will likely complete much of the pre-production for the forthcoming CD as a three-piece.

The band's upcoming European schedule is as follows:

Jul. 01 - Dublin, IRE @ Ambassador
Jul. 05 - Rijssen, NETH @ Lucky
Jul. 06 – Dessel, BEL @ Graspop
Jul. 07 – Leipzig, GER @ With Full Force
Jul. 08 - Cervia, ITA @ Rock Planet
Jul. 09 - Zurich, SWI @ Limmathaus
Jul. 10 - Amsterdam, NETH @ Melk Weg
Jul. 12 – Helsinki, FIN @ Tuska Open Air
Jul. 13 - Joensuu, FIN @ Ilosaarirock