SODOM bassist/vocalist and sole remaining original member
Thomas "Angelripper" Such has parted ways with guitarist
Bernd "Bernemann" Kost and drummer
Markus "Makka" Freiwald.
Says
Such: "After much thought and reflection, I have decided on this difficult step to pave the way for new challenges.
"
SODOM have always lived off the commitment and passion of everybody involved.
Makka was part of the band for almost eight years,
Bernemann even for more than twenty. To obviate a possible routine setting in which would make it impossible to continue our creative work optimally, I would like to start all over again with fresh and hungry musicians. At the same time, I would like to say thank you to
Bernemann and
Makka for many successful years in which we performed fantastic shows and released a number of real metal manifestos."
Irrespective of this lineup change, all scheduled
SODOM shows will take place from April 2018 as announced.
Tom is set to introduce his new comrades-in-arms at the
Full Metal Mountain festival. Whether
SODOM will continue to operate as a trio or perhaps become a quartet in future remains unclear.
Tom says: "I haven't really made up my mind in this respect; I'm open to all options. I will now install the band's new foundation pillars and look around for new musicians. One thing is already clear:
SODOM will become even stronger!"
Along with his new bandmates,
Tom will begin work on the upcoming
SODOM album — to be released on
Steamhammer/
SPV — as soon as possible.
Tom says: "
SPV also look forward to our future collaboration and can expect a totally motivated band."
SODOM tour dates:
Apr. 7 - AT - Kärnten - Full Metal Mountain
Jun. 21-23 - FI - Kauhajoki - Nummirock
Jun. 23 - DK - Copenhagen - Copenhell
Jul. 4-7 - DE - Ballenstedt - Rock Harz Open Air
Jul. 14 - SE - Gävle - Gefle Metal
Aug. 18 - AT - Graz - Metal On The Hill
Aug. 25 - DE - Cham - Mosh Club Open Air
Aug. 31 - DE - Hamburg - Weltturbojugendtage
Oct. 6 - DE - Lichtenfels - Way Of Darkness
SODOM's latest album,
"Decision Day", was released in August 2016 via
SPV/
Steamhammer.