KILLING MACHINE Set To Return

U.S. metal heavyweights KILLING MACHINE are set to make their return after a break of four years. The group's current lineup includes founding member and guitarist Peter Scheithauer (ex-TEMPLE OF BRUTALITY, BELLADONA) alongside Csaba Zvekan on vocals, Jon Dette (ex-TESTAMENT, SLAYER) on drums. A new bass player will be announced soon to replace David Ellefson, who recently rejoined MEGADETH.

Talking about the next chapter of KILLING MACHINE, Scheithauer said, "I am really excited about this new page in KILLING MACHINE's odyssey. For once I took my time writing the new CD. Knowing that Csaba had finally joined the band meant there were no set time limits to work to.

"I've had the idea for a few years to have Csaba in KILLING MACHINE but distance prohibited it. Same with Jon —we've tried several times to get things together. These two guys have so much to show, [and] I can't wait to hit the road with them.

"And the new bass player? He's a perfect match. That's all I can say about him at the moment.

"I've been working constantly on the album and you always think that the new CD is the best it can be, but when a major producer feels the same way, you tend to think you are on the right track.

"I can't wait to tell you what's in store but we're taking everything one step at a time. In the meantime we're so happy to be coming to play in Europe this summer."

Preliminary work on a new album has already begun, with various songs at different stages of completion. Two new songs — "Skull and Bone" and "Hell Raiser" — can be heard at the KILLING MACHINEMySpace page.

The band is in the process of securing a new record deal with a view to a release towards the end of the year.

Details of live dates, including some high-profile shows for the summer, are expected to be announced soon.

KILLING MACHINE has released two albums, the self-titled effort in 2000 via Candlelight Records and the critically acclaimed "Metalmorphis" in 2006, via Mausoleum Records. The two LPs featured a multitude of musicians, including David Ellefson (MEGADETH),Stet Howland (W.A.S.P.) and Mike Vescera (OBSESSION, LOUDNESS)

Unashamedly wearing their heavy metal roots on their leather-studded sleeves, KILLING MACHINE "combine the classic metal feel of the past with the fresh aggression of the present," according to a press release. "Thunderous bass lines, pounding drums and explosive riffs blend with distinct heavy, melodic vocals to create driving and memorable songs."