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Vocalist MIKE DIMEO Confirms Split With MASTERPLAN

January 11, 2009

Vocalist Mike DiMeo (RIOT, THE LIZARDS) has confirmed that he has parted ways with MASTERPLAN, the melodic metal band led by former HELLOWEEN guitarist Roland Grapow. Mike writes on his MySpace page, "I have nothing but profound respect for them and continue to wish them nothing but success in the future."

Although MASTERPLAN has yet to announce a replacement for DiMeo, Grapow wrote in a November 5, 2008 online posting that the band had commenced the recording sessions for a new studio album, which is tentatively expected in May/June via AFM Records. He said, "Axel [Mackenrott, keyboards] and Jan [S. Eckert, bass] are working on more new song material in Hamburg in Axel's new studio. Meanwhile i'm writing/recording guitars and arranging songs in my studio in [Slovakia]. We have 10 songs written so far and we'll still write more material parallel to the recordings. We are very happy with the new song material so far and we are sure it will be a killer album!!!" Roland also added that there will "hopefully [be] a big surprise" coming soon.

DiMeo, regarded as one of the finest vocalists in the heavy rock scene, first came to prominence after joining the legendary New York City band RIOT prior to the recording of 1994's "Nightbreaker". He went on to record six studio albums and one live album with the group before departing to join MASTERPLAN for the recording of "MK II" in 2006.

DiMeo in August 2008 announced the formation of a new project called TENPOINT alongside Steve Seigerman (guitar),Chris Kozikowski (bass) and Doug Bohn (drums).

MASTERPLAN's "Lost And Gone" video (from 2007's "MK II") can be viewed below.

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