USURPER Rejoined By Original Drummer

September 1, 2003

Chicago death/thrash lords USURPER have been rejoined by original drummer Apocalyptic Warlord. Joe "Apocalyptic" Warlord helped form the band in 1993 along with Rick S. Scythe (guitar) and General Diabolical Slaughter (vocals). Warlord had to leave in 1996 when he couldn't commit to touring, but now things are worked out in his life where he can commit to USURPER 100%. His work with USURPER includes 1994's "Visions From The Gods" demo, 1995's "Diabolosis" CD/LP, and 1996's mini CD/picture disc "Threshold of the Usurper".

Commented Rick, "Myself as an individual as well as the band as a whole are extremely pleased to announce that Joe 'Apocalyptic' Warlord has now regained his rightful spot (once again) as USURPER's drummer. Joe's incredible playing style is up there with the cream of the crop of today's modern drummers and his technical style, and barbaric presence is something that we are 100% psyched about having as part of the family again!

"We can't wait to not only start working on new songs together, but also to play some old classics that no other USURPER drummer since has been able to play such as 'Soulstalker' and 'Necrocult Part1 (The Metal War)'. We are also eager to hit the road with our metal brother and play all the other songs from our last few albums that he didn't play on, and feel the metal magic with his presence behind the kit on songs from 'Twilight Dominion', 'Necronemesis' and 'Skeletal Season'!

"We also would like to bid farewell to session drummer Steve Sams. Steve (who is a Bay Area native) moved out to Chicago early in 2003 and by May quickly learned songs to replace Dave Hellstorm. Steve joined on a 'trial' basis, and was never an official member. Unfortunately after playing some fests and touring together we all felt that Steve was not the right man for the job. We wish Steve nothing but the best, and he will definitely be an asset to the next band he joins, he just wasn't the right man for USURPER.

"Back in the summer of 2002 I personally asked Joe "Apocalyptic" Warlord to play on 'Twilight Dominion'. He really wanted to, but the timing wasn't right. So it never happened. When we played Chicago on the ENSLAVED tour (August 3, 2003) Joe joined us on stage for 'Black Funeral'. The guy didn't rehearse the song and we didn't play together in 7 years, yet he got up on Steve's kit and summoned the thunder! It was a magical moment for us. We connected on stage, and Joe's powerhouse style and his maniacal stage presence proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that The Warlord must return!

"Right now we are starting the first rehearsals together. We plan on touring Europe some time in 2004, then we will work on the next album. It is great to have the original line-up back together. Apocalyptic Warlord is 100% part of the band for recording and touring. See you on the road!"

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