SEVENDUST has issued the following update:

"Well, we just wanna say thank you to all our friends out there — as we've said, we have friends not fans — for supporting us and being so amazing to us over this album cycle. We're back to the original lineup, gotten the chance to do some amazing tours with bands we love, finally got overseas to Europe to finally meet some very patient and loyal 7dusters. Your guys were so incredible and we can't wait to make Europe a regular stop for us from now on. All the things we've heard about how passionate and loyal you are from our friends in other bands was right on and we can't explain the joy we had playing for you in the small places and playing the festivals to a lot of crazy-ass people. We're very thankful for all of you. We also had a chance to play Iraq for the men and women serving there and there are truly no words to say how amazing that trip was for us. Granted, it's no tropical paradise, but we loved meeting you, seeing what you deal with daily and seeing your commitment. We love all of you and get home safe to your families.

"OK, so now it's time for us to focus and start writing the new SEVENDUST record. We know there's a lot of expectations on this record and we have all the faith in the world that it's gonna be a serious SEVENDUST record. We embrace the pressure of it and have full intentions on ripping people's heads off with this one. We're back at full force, we're closer to each other than ever and we will not release this thing until it's undeniable.

"We still haven't decided on a producer, but have a few names that are very exciting and when we lock that down, it will be game on, for sure. We're very excited about this and we're gonna take our time. It will still possibly be done and released early next year, because if you know us, you know we can't stay away too long.

"Because we have so much respect for you and the die-hards that have been with us we'd like to give you a voice as well. We'd like to hear from you what kind of SEVENDUST record you'd like. What type of vibe — heavy as hell, lots of melody, both, which record was your favorite in the past? Just your general thoughts. We know what record we have to make, but can always pick info out from you to keep in mind when we write this thing. [We] will scan every single comment and keep your thoughts on the forefront of our minds.

"The bottom line is no one knows us more than you guys, no overpaid producer can tell us something more valuable than what you can. Be honest — brutal, if need be — but don't be a dick about it. Let us know what kind of SEVENDUST record you want to hear. Consider this your input on a very important SEVENDUST record."

Upcoming SEVENDUST shows:

Jul. 17 - Peoria Expo Gardens at Heart of Illinois Fair - Peoria, Illinois
Jul. 18 - Wellington Kansas Lake - Mayyfield, Kansas
Jul. 19 - Rock Fest - Cadott, Wisconsin
Aug. 07 - Fairgrounds Arena - Watertown, New York
Aug. 08 - Toad's Place - New Haven, Connecticut
Aug. 21 - Nutty's - North Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Aug. 22 - The Venue - Fargo, North Dakota
Aug. 23 - Freedom Park at Rock Gone Wild - Algona, Iowa

SEVENDUST released a very limited-edition box set in November entitled "Packaged Goods". Each five-disc set is personally autographed by the entire band. The box set includes SEVENDUST's 2005 release "Next", 2007's "Alpha", 2007's "Retrospective 2" (CD + DVD), and 2008's "Chapter VII: Hope & Sorrow".

"Packaged Goods" is available at all Best Buy and Transworld stores: F.Y.E., Coconuts, Wherehouse Music and Spec's Music.

SEVENDUST's latest album, "Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow" (7Bros/Asylum), came out in April 2008. The CD sold 25,000 copies in the United States during its first week of release to land at position No. 19 on The Billboard 200 chart.

Musician Photo Journal conducted an interview with SEVENDUST drummer Morgan Rose when the band played Utica, New York with DISTURBED and SKINDRED. Watch the six-minute chat below.