Guitarist/vocalist Balmore Lemus has left Los Angeles-based neo-classical death purveyors EXMORTUS "for personal reasons." The band states, "right now Conan [Gonzalez; lead guitar, backing vocals] will be jumping to vocals while maintaining his lead guitar duties but we still need another killer guitarist." Interested parties can contact the group via the EXMORTUS MySpace page.

EXMORTUS's debut album, "In Hatred's Flame", was released in July 2008 via Heavy Artillery Records. Armed with a diverse array of influences from IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST and YNGWIE MALMSTEEN to SLAYER, MARDUK and DEICIDE, the CD "showcases the band's unique blend of brutality and finesse," according to a press release. The album features cover artwork by legendary artist Kris Verwimp, who has previously worked with ARCH ENEMY, MARDUK, ABSU, OLD MAN'S CHILD, IMMORTAL and many others. The limited vinyl edition includes deluxe packaging and a digital download card and was also made available as a numbered mailorder-only deluxe colored vinyl edition.

Capital Chaos has uploaded video footage (see below) of EXMORTUS' April 20, 2009 performance at Java Cafe/420 Fest in Fair Oaks, California.

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