SPIRALARMS To Record New Demos With Former MACHINE HEAD Drummer KONTOS

Former FORBIDDEN/MANMADEGOD and current SPIRALARMS guitarist Craig Locicero has issued the following update on SPIRALARMS' current activities:

"So much has happened between August of last year and now that it's hard to expain it all, but I'll try.

"Since the conception of SPIRALARMS, we never really stopped going. We had come from two bands, basically. One part SYSTEMATIC, three parts MANMADEGOD. Not exactly the cleanest break or freshest start. There was a lot of magic and great music written, but never a clear direction or plan of action. The bad taste of what both bands had just went through was still in our mouths. The songs were good but the balance was not there yet.

"When our first drummer, Steve Jacobs [ex-FORBIDDEN, MANMADEGOD], seriously injured his shoulder, Eric Kretz [ex-STONE TEMPLE PILOTS], stepped in. That was a hell of an honor, we didn't take it lightly! We were rolling, we started gigging again and showcasing in L.A., all that stuff, but the balance still wasn't right. James [Walker, bass; ex-MANMADEGOD] felt it coming, it was his time to step down and out of the music business. That was his choice, and at the time a slap in the face to us. We got over it quickly.

"The first thing we did is look for his replacement. In the weeks following, Tim [Narducci, guitar/vocals; ex-SYSTEMATIC] and I started writing and recording a new batch of songs ourselves while Eric was tending to his studio in L.A. The process was effortless! Tim played drums and bass while I took on most of the guitars, then we would write the lyrics and melodies together with no hesitation and a lot of trust. It was the easiest thing we've ever done. It made us realize that the writing process was always us anyway. Bang, bang!

"Oh yes, the bass player search. We found him! His name is Chris Lombardo, or 'Cornbread', as most people call him. We really are fortunate to have found the guy, he truly is a rare talent. A great person that loves the music and understands where it comes from. Just a perfect fit for SPIRALARMS! He has already recorded with us and it's a perfect blend of groove, tone and power. Awesome! You can listen to a new song, 'Mind's Eye', at www.myspace.com/spiralarms, Chris is playing on it. The reaction has been stunning already. It kills, even with Tim playing drums. Haha.

"Lastly, because of Kretz's schedule being so brutal, we've agreed to take a QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE approach to the drums for now. SPIRALARMS will use other top notch drummers for the next few months while Eric finishes some of the projects that he's committed to. This doesn't mean that he won't be playing on the record, that's exactly what he intends to do. We just have to get out there and play live consistently again. Now! We can not, and will not wait any longer, time to bring it to the masses.

"Chris Kontos — formerly of MACHINE HEAD, VERBAL ABUSE, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, and most recently THE SERVANTS — will be recording some brand new songs with us next week. That should be killer. He is a sick player and a very funny guy! We love him! Chris also has his own band, SANGRE ETERNA, and that's not a conflict for anybody. He's doing us a great favor because he loves the songs. We appreciate his bands understanding. He's gonna bring something heavy to the party!

"So I guess that covers what we've been doing in our silence over the last few months. Now it's time to get it going."

Former STONE TEMPLE PILOTS drummer Eric Kretz has released the following statement regarding his current status in SPIRALARMS:

"Currently my studio in L.A. [Bomb Shelter, web site] is demanding an overwhelming amount of attention. Starting back in 2005 we've been booked solid with bands like THE EXIT, JIMMY EAT WORLD, SOIL, DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE, etc.

"Currently, we've been filming live performances by bands like JURASSIC 5, BEN FOLDS, PJ HARVEY and many other great performers for 'The Henry Rollins Show' on IFC. In the next few months we are expecting THE BEASTIE BOYS, SLAYER and the FLAMING LIPS to pop by and lay their tracks down.

"As you can see, things are going great at the studio. However, the hectic schedule leaves me unable to commute to Oakland to play drums with SPIRALARMS for the time being. In my absence Tim and Craig arose to the occasion. Tim's been playing drums and rhythm guitar on new songs he and Craig have created together. They are doing an awesome job on the new stuff. The songs are loaded with guitar hooks, great choruses, harmonies and lyrics. I am so enthusiastic about working with them later this year on the new record. I know it's going to be a killer. So fasten your seat belts, it's going to be a great ride."