PLACE OF SKULLS Part Ways With WINO

Knoxville, Tennessee's PLACE OF SKULLS have officially parted ways with guitarist Wino (THE HIDDEN HAND, ex-SPIRIT CARAVAN, ST. VITUS, THE OBSESSED).

The following is the band's official statement on the matter:

"A year and a half ago, armed with an idea to bring together our styles and imagery to a single musical force, we laid down the groundwork for what we envisioned to be (and dubbed by the press) a super-group of doom metal. Together we've stuck it out despite the pressure and stress of being in a band with members living in different states... not really the small feat it appears on the surface.

"We've now come to an amicable and agreed decision that to continue this arrangement is no longer feasible. The travel to and fro has become more of a burden than we probably admitted to ourselves in the beginning…and scheduling our personal responsibilities and commitments to an ever-changing calendar is just no longer worth it. So as of now, Victor, Tim, & Dennis will continue onward with PLACE OF SKULLS, and Wino with THE HIDDEN HAND.

"We especially regret the disappointment that some of you may feel about this decision. We know from your feedback that a lot of anticipation was building for a tour of live performances. Again, we truly regret that this can't happen. Never the less, we're very thankful to have 'With Vision' as a result of this relatively short working relationship. We feel confident and appreciative that we succeeded in bringing you a classic album that will leave its mark.

"The shows that are already confirmed for PLACE OF SKULLS, as well as international tour plans, will go ahead as scheduled but without Wino.

"From hearsay and offhand remarks, we know there's a number of you who've 'straddled the fence' from the beginning where PLACE OF SKULLS is concerned. Sometimes we may come from a place or point of view that clashes with many of your own philosophies. That same backlash has been felt by THE HIDDEN HAND. None of us are trying to push agenda's here…politics and religions are the never-ending arguments that will never be 100% solved in this life. We propose an agreement to disagree where it may apply, and lets get on together with the enjoyment of some heavy-ass music.

"We've gained many new fans since the release of 'With Vision', and we (PLACE OF SKULLS & THE HIDDEN HAND) hope you'll all stick around for the next chapter.

"We speak with reciprocating respect and admiration for one another, and our respective bands, in saying our friendships remain strong and intact. Our only regret is that we won't be able to fulfill the expectations of what could have been."