Georgia-based blackened doomsters WITHERED have parted ways with guitarist/vocalist Chris Freeman. Vocalist/guitarist Mike Thompson explains, "Chris, after much soul-searching and consideration, decided it was time to leave the front lines and pursue some personal goals that he had been putting off for years. Touring became too much of a burden for him at a time when the rest of WITHERED was striving to push the envelope and increase touring activity.

"Personally, I must say that I'll miss him a lot. We've been playing music together two or three times a week for the last 14 years and mutually conceived WITHERED in 2003. He was key in nurturing the ideology behind our music and lyrics and his contributions will be missed. Despite all of that, Mike, Beau and I completely respect his position and there are no negative feelings towards the situation.

"As for his replacement, our friend, Dylan Kilgore, filled in for Chris on the last leg of the Blackenedfest tour last June. He did an amazing job and his work ethic in learning the songs was unparalleled. So, it was very natural for him to assume Chris' position full time.

"We're moving full steam ahead on the new album and the writing is going better than expected. At this point, we have four new tracks almost completed and anticipate the new album to be released sometime in mid-2010. We'll post more updates as they develop."

WITHERED's latest album, "Folie Circulaire", was released in June 2008 via Prosthetic Records. The 10-track CD was produced by Phillip Cope (KYLESA, BARONESS) and features artwork by Paul Romano as well as guest vocals from NAPALM DEATH's Barney Greenway and a cover of NECROPHOBIC's "Into Armageddon".