PAIN CONFESSOR Parts Ways With Guitarist VESA SÄKKINEN

Finnish metallers PAIN CONFESSOR have issued the following update:

"The year 2008 was all rest for everyone in the PAIN CONFESSOR camp. We've been recharging our batteries but of course found some time to record a couple of demo songs that were released in June on our homesite and our MySpace page.

"After the demo, we fell back into slumber. The urge to move forward grew within us and we found ourselves in the situation where the only way to move on was to let Vesa 'Wesleyer' Säkkinen go. We longed for the same fire that burned within us in the summer of 2002 when PAIN CONFESSOR was originally conceived.

"All further speculation is futile. What's important is that we are very much alive and feel that we made the correct decision in order to evolve and boost the creativity and inspiration within the band.

"All systems are go, new material is in the works. Still, it is too early to talk about a new full length album as of now but we are excited about our new material. We guarantee a new album at some point.

"New guitarist?

"We have chosen a new guitarist already. Although his identity shall remain a mystery for a short while still we can say we are proud to have him join our ranks and can't wait to utilize his vocal abilities and skills as a guitarist.

"Official announcement will happen at our concert Friday the 21st of November at Rocktown, Hämeenlinna, Finland. Our new member will make his first live appearance during the show. We also have a good friend from HATEFORM/MORS PRINCIPIUM EST, Tomy Laisto, to play second guitar for the show.

"More to come in 2009!"

PAIN CONFESSOR in June uploaded two new demo tracks — "X9" and "Reality Of Now" — to the band's MySpace page. The songs were recorded at the group's home studio and were mixed by Janne Saksa of Studio Sound Supreme, who "really made this work by mixing the whole thing and adding his own unique and special touch that we really have missed," according to the band.

PAIN CONFESSOR recently parted ways with Megamania Records and is currently seeking a new label home.

The band's third album, "Purgatory of the Second Sun", entered the Finnish chart at position No. 15 back in March 2007.

"Purgatory of the Second Sun" was recorded at Fantom studio and was previously described by the band as "raw and furious."

PAIN CONFESSOR's "Ne Plus Ultra" single entered the Finnish national chart at position No. 1. In addition to the title cut, the single included a cover of SURVIVOR's "Eye of the Tiger", which had "gone through a serious metal facelift," according to the group. A video for "Ne Plus Ultra" was shot by Vasara Films and can be viewed below.

(Thanks: fireangel / Night Elves)