U.K. gothic metal pioneers PARADISE LOST have issued the following statement:

"Tragically, lead guitarist Greg Mackintosh will be unable to continue with PARADISE LOST's 'Faith Divides Us - Death Unites Us' tour of Europe due to a terminal illness within his family.

"Greg's father was taken critically ill some weeks ago, yet Greg decided to commence the tour anyway in the hope that future news from home would be positive. This, unfortunately, was not the case. Therefore (as of 6th November 2009), Greg will remain in England to support his relatives during this difficult time.

"Everyone involved with the band would like to offer Greg our support and to let him know all our thoughts are with him.

"The tour will not end here, though. Milly Evans (PARADISE LOST's long-standing guitar technician and keyboardist from TERRORVISION) will fill in for Greg with immediate effect.

"Having worked with the band for many years, Milly knows PARADISE LOST's repertoire far more than most, and will endeavour to provide a seamless transition between guitarists. Milly is highly regarded among PARADISE LOST's fan-base and is the best person to fill Greg's role in the band for the rest of the European tour.

"We apologize in advance to those of you who will be joining us for the European dates and will no doubt be disappointed by Greg's absence. However, I am sure you will appreciate this unfortunate situation was unavoidable and everyone is doing everything they can to ensure the shows run as smoothly as possible."

Portugal's Riff magazine recently conducted an interview with Greg Mackintosh. Watch the chat below.

PARADISE LOST's new album, "Faith Divides Us - Death Unites Us", has registered the following first-week chart positions:

U.K.: #16 (Rock Albums)
Germany: #22
Finland: #22
Sweden: #29

The limited formats of this landmark gothic metal opus include two orchestral versions of the album tracks "Faith Divides Us - Death Unites Us" and "Last Regret", which were recorded by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra in July 2008.

The limited-edition deluxe two-CD includes special packaging (DVD-sized Mediabook with O-Card in a special leather look) and a bonus track, "Cardinal Zero", on Disc 1 plus a separate bonus CD featuring the "Lost In Prague" tracks. All vinyl lovers will be delighted to hear that the album is available as a limited-edition gatefold LP, including the bonus track "Cardinal Zero", the orchestra mixes on a separate bonus 7" EP, the entire album on CD (in a blank sleeve), and an exclusive poster.

The highly anticipated follow-up to 2007's "In Requiem", "Faith Divides Us - Death Unites Us" was recorded at Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden with producer Jens Bogren.

The album's artwork (see below), which is based upon a "Danse Macabre" woodcut by Hans Holbein the Younger (first published in 1538), was created by Stefan Wibbeke at Medialogistics (LACUNA COIL, POISONBLACK).