Guitarist Jonas Khalil has left the German death metal band DISBELIEF. He explained in a statement, "We decided to part ways due to problems regarding our schedules. As a professional (classical) musician, I cannot allow myself to focus only on one project but instead have to be able to do any projects, like orchestral jobs, solo recitals, etc., that I am being offered at any time. I also would like to underline there's no personal differences and whenever the guys should need me to fill in on stage, they can count on me.

"I would like to wish my buddies Jagger, Joe, Kai and Witali all the best for the recordings and promotion to their next album, 'Protected Hell', out this April 17!

"My own website, www.jonaskhalil.com, as well as a new music MySpace profile will be online soon! Moreover, I'm ready to enter stages with SACRED STEEL this year in order to celebrate our new record, 'Carnage Victory' (no release date set yet)!! So I'll see ya all very soon!"

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/therealjonass.

DISBELIEF will enter MX studio in Buchen, Germany later this month with producer Michael Mainx to begin recording "Protected Hell" for release via Massacre Records. The LP will be available as a limited-edition digipack and regular jewel case CD. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Nemesis Rising", "The Hell Goes On", "Room 309", "A Place To Hide" and "The Dark Soundscapes".

On February 6, DISBELIEF will debut new material at the Headbangers Ballroom in Hamburg, Germany. The official "Protected Hell" release party will be held on April 24 at Frankenlandhalle in Buchen (BW), Germany.

DISBELIEF's seventh album, "Navigator", was released in February 2007 via Massacre Records.