KILLING MACHINE Joined By EVERGREY/Ex-STRATOVARIUS Bassist

U.S. metallers KILLING MACHINE have announced the addition of former STRATOVARIUS and current EVERGREY bassist Jari Kainulainen to the group's ranks.

Jari will continue with his position in EVERGREY, but the chance to challenge himself in a different field with KILLING MACHINE was an opportunity he did not want to miss.

Commented Kainulainen: "When [KILLING MACHINE founding member and guitarist] Peter [Scheithauer; ex-TEMPLE OF BRUTALITY, BELLADONA] contacted me and asked me to join KILLING MACHINE as replacement for David Ellefson [MEGADETH], I had to check it out. And after listening to a few songs I knew straight away that this is something I definitely wanted to be a part of. I especially fell in love with the fast and blasting bass lines and kick-ass guitar riffs., so it was an easy decision for me. I'm really looking forward to start playing with these guys."

Added Scheithauer: "First off, I am so thrilled that I can finally announce Jari Kainulainen as the new bass player!!!

"Once I was done with the demos, it was time to think about getting the band together. I wanted people who were ready to tour — no egos. Plus, returning to Europe, I wanted someone we can hang with who was first and foremost a true metalhead. Csaba [Zvekan, vocals] and Jon [Dette, drums; SLAYER, TESTAMENT] were already in and I knew David [Ellefson] was out of the question for the obvious reasons.

"I always loved Jari's playing. I saw him several time with STRATOVARIUS and love EVERGREY. If someone can play crazy bass lines and be creative it's him. And besides being an outstanding musician, he is a very cool guy and at the end that's what really matters."

The complete KILLING MACHINE lineup is:

Csaba Zvekan - Vocals
Peter Scheithauer (TEMPLE OF BRUTALITY, BELLADONNA) - Guitar
Jari Kainulainen (EVERGREY, STRATOVARIUS) - Bass
Jon Dette (TESTAMENT, SLAYER) - Drums

KILLING MACHINE will relocate to Europe for a series of summer shows and recording of the new album. The band has already confirmed an appearance at Germany's Headbangers Open Air festival on July 29.

Two new songs — "Skull and Bone" and "Hell Raiser" — can be heard at the KILLING MACHINEMySpace page.

The band is in the process of securing a new record deal with a view to a release towards the end of the year.

KILLING MACHINE has released two albums, the self-titled effort in 2000 via Candlelight Records and the critically acclaimed "Metalmorphis" in 2006, via Mausoleum Records. The two LPs featured a multitude of musicians, including David Ellefson (MEGADETH),Stet Howland (W.A.S.P.) and Mike Vescera (OBSESSION, LOUDNESS)

Unashamedly wearing their heavy metal roots on their leather-studded sleeves, KILLING MACHINE "combine the classic metal feel of the past with the fresh aggression of the present," according to a press release. "Thunderous bass lines, pounding drums and explosive riffs blend with distinct heavy, melodic vocals to create driving and memorable songs."