Bassist PETER THEOBALDS Quits AKERCOCKE; Replacement Announced

Bassist Peter Theobalds has announced his departure from U.K. death metallers AKERCOCKE.

Commented Peter: "It's been possibly the most difficult decision in my life to make but after 10 years of the beast that AKERCOCKE has become, I have decided to pack up my four strings and hit the highway in search of new adventures. My reasons are many and varied but the principal factor has been that the original vibe that drove me to play has gone. The fun, the utter immersion of the music and friendship and the camaraderie has been slowly eroding for me, personally, over the last year or so.

"The AK has given me so many unforgettable moments and brought me into contact with some amazing human beings and situations and I shall sincerely miss all of those aspects. But my heart tells me its time to seek other ideals and situations…I will NOT be giving up music, however, and will continue to bash out some form of pseudo-metallic noise, until chronic rheumatoid arthritis turns my hands into claws or Alzheimer's finally puts paid to what little common sense I currently possess.

"Massive, massive respect to all those people that have been so unbelievably supportive and encouraging: my family, the fans, the crews, the bands and other random maniacs that have been there for me all the way. I'd love to do a 'thank you' list but it would just be so long and I'd inevitably forget someone and get branded a total cunt (again),so I'll just say that I raise a glass to all of your honour!"

AKERCOCKE has already announced a replacement bassist in the shape of Peter Benjamin (CONCEPT, CORPSING, PANTHEIST). Benjamin is currently hard at work with the rest of the band on their fifth studio album at Goat of Mendes Studios in London, tentatively due this spring/summer via Earache Records. AKERCOCKE frontman Jason Mendonca had previously described the new material as "a logical development from [2005's] 'Words That Go Unspoken, Deeds That Go Undone'. We are continuing to enhance and highlight the dynamics in our music. The contrast between light and shade is stronger in places although in essence, our new work promises to be our most violent. Expect hyperblast speeds that will shame the pretenders. Bludgeoning primitive death grooves, rancorous hate filled black metal and teutonic thrash assaults all seared with swathes of mind shredding electronica and dark, ancient textures."

Back in August 2006, AKERCOCKE filmed a video for the song "Intractable" in an exclusive gentleman's club in the depths of London's Soho district. The idea for the video, shot by U.K. production company Multiplicity, was developed from a storyboard drawn up by the band's drummer, David Gray.