Reunited OZ Begins Recording New Album

September 25, 2010

Reactivated legendary 1980s Finnish heavy metal band OZ has entered Park studio in Stockholm, Sweden with producer Nicke Andersson (a former member of ENTOMBED and HELLACOPTERS) to begin recording its new album, tentatively titled "Greatezt Blitz", for an early 2011 release. The CD will reportedly contain both new songs and re-recordings of OZ classics. Songtitles set to appear on the LP include "Dominator", "Seasons In The Dark" and "Signs From The Dead". A music video to support the effort is also in the works.

OZ's current lineup includes two new guitarists — Costello Hautamäki and Markku Petander — alongside the classic trio of Ape De Martini (real name: Tapani Hämäläinen),Jay C. Blade (real name: Jukka Lewis) and Mark Ruffneck (real name: Pekka Mark). Costello Hautamäki was previously involved with HANOI ROCKS circa the "Twelve Shots On The Rocks" album (2002) and he has also played with the Finnish band POPEDA. Markku Petander is also a former member of POPEDA, as well as YÖ — which also happens to be Jay C. Blade's other band.

OZ 2010 is:

Ape De Martini (Tapani Hämäläinen) - Lead Vocals
Jay C. Blade (Jukka Lewis) - Bass, Vocals
Mark Ruffneck (Pekka Mark) - Drums
Markku Petander - Guitar
Costello Hautamäki - Guitar

OZ is best known in the metal underground for its 1983 "Fire In The Brain" album and the classic "Turn The Cross Upside Down" single (a song that was subsequently covered by the band STORMWARRIOR). It has also come to light that BATHORY mastermind Quorthon was responsible for designing the cover art for both "Fire In The Brain" and "Turn The Cross Upside Down".

For more information, visit www.ozofficial.com.

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