LEGION OF THE DAMNED Announces New Guitarist

Vocalist Maurice Swinkels of Dutch thrashers LEGION OF THE DAMNED has issued the following update:

"After guitarist Richard Ebisch quit the band around three weeks ago, we have not been sitting still. The day after Richard's departure, I already had in mind to call guitarist Twan van Geel. I've known him for more than 10 years already and I knew he would be the perfect replacement. I called Twan that evening to tell him the situation in LEGION OF THE DAMNED and asked him if he would be interested in a meeting with Harold, Erik and me. It didn't really took long before he called me back and said he would be looking forward to it.

"After we invited Twan and spoke to him about the ins and outs of LEGION OF THE DAMNED, one week later we met up in our rehearsal room playing 'Son Of The Jackal', 'Cult Of The Dead' and 'Death's Head March' that he already prepared at home, it truly felt as if the band is complete again. The next day Harold, Erik and me had another meeting with the three of us and decided to take Twan van Geel as a permanent guitar player.

"Since the departure of Richard, I had no intentions to cancel any of our shows therefore we welcome Twan van Geel and we are very happy with his arrival.

"Although it's sad Richard left the band, we were not planning on finding a second Richard; Twan is a different person with different opinions and other inspirations, which I think will only turn out positive in the musical direction of LEGION OF THE DAMNED. We also want to thank every other person who emailed us for auditions or were able to help us out, we appreciate their input. Thank you!"

Added Twan: "It was really a surprise when Maurice called me. We have known each other for some years, but he has never called me on the phone before, so I knew that whatever he was about to tell me had a special meaning, I knew that he would not call me about the weather, of course.

"Asking me to be their new guitar player struck me as a bomb, LEGION OF THE DAMNED has become a band that no one can deny or go around it, of course. Therefore it didn't really take me a long time before I decided to take the shot and meet the rest of the gang."

"Being able to play in LEGION OF THE DAMNED is an offer I can't refuse, being able to finally play with the big boys, so to speak!

"Richard has been part of LEGION OF THE DAMNED since the very beginning and together with Maurice, Harold and Erik, he made what LEGION OF THE DAMNED is today. Replacing Richard won't be an easy task, that's for sure, but nevertheless and humble as well as honored I am to replace his spot and complete the band again and ready to strike with full force."

LEGION OF THE DAMNED's new album, "Descent Into Chaos", was released on January 7 via Massacre Records. The CD was recorded at Abyss Studios in Prlby, Sweden with producer and PAIN/HYPOCRISY mainman Peter Tgtgren, who also makes a guest appearance on the limited-edition bonus track "Legion Of The Damned".