Surviving Members Of MELDRUM Complete Work On New Album

The surviving members of MELDRUM — the band formed by ex-PHANTOM BLUE guitarist Michelle Meldrum, who died on May 21 as a result of a cystic growth that had restricted oxygen and blood flow to her brain, rendering her braindead — have completed work on the group's third album (for which Michelle recorded her tracks prior to her passing),entitled "Lifer".

"Lifer" stands as a proud tribute to Michelle, who wrote the material for the CD with drummer Gene Hoglan (DARK ANGEL, DEATH, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD),along with new members Laura Christine (bass) and Michele Madden (vocals).

"Lifer" is sonically different in direction than anything previously released by the band. With new life, and new talent, this album has carried the talents these four have to a higher level.

Commented Hoglan: "Let me say this: Never have I obsessed over the recording of any album I've been involved in as I have with MELDRUM's latest. The tragic circumstances that took Michelle from us also provided us with a laser-sharp focus to record the most amazing album we could. Michele Madden, Laura Christine, and hell, even Chicken, our engineer, put forth performances of a lifetime, with each member's full love and respect going into every nuance of every song. Not only to honor Michelle, but to also lay down some bad-ass music, which was ultimately what she stood for… what MELDRUM stands for. I think the songs speak for themselves, and I, for one, have never been prouder to be a part of a family, let alone a project such as this. Metal with balls. Crank it up, indeed."

"Lifer" is scheduled for release in early 2009. More information will be made available soon.

Michelle Meldrum was born on September 28, 1968 in Detroit, Michigan to a family of musicians and actors, and moved to Los Angeles, California at the age of 13. She started her career in music by forming the thrash metal band WARGOD with drummer Gene Hoglan (DARK ANGEL, DEATH, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD),then moved on to become both co-founder and lead guitarist in PHANTOM BLUE. PHANTOM BLUE released its self-titled debut album on Shrapnel Records in the U.S. (Roadrunner in Europe and Japan) and eventually landed a major label deal with Geffen.

While her career flourished, Michelle married EUROPE guitarist John Norum and moved to Sweden to form MELDRUM. After many successful tours with such acts as MOTÖRHEAD and BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, she reunited with Gene in 2006 when he appeared as a guest on MELDRUM album and events. Inspired to once again collaborate, Michelle moved back to America where she and Gene began writing the third MELDRUM album together.

Reality Check TV put together a video tribute to Michelle Meldrum to help celebrate her life and remember her as she lived — shredding on her guitar. Watch the 10-minute clip below.