WARMASTER, the Dutch old-school death metal band featuring André van der Ree (DARK REMAINS, ex-ETERNAL SOLSTICE, MOURNING) and Rik van Gageldonk (VUIST, DARK REMAINS), have parted ways with bassist Robert Rigter. "The bass parts for the upcoming split with VUIST are now played on recording by Rik," the band write on their web site. "After the recordings, WARMASTER will search for a new bass player as well as a second guitar player. For upcoming live performances WARMASTER has recruited Bob Kooger (ORDO DRACONIS, ex-WELTBRAND) and Rudy de Pont (VUIST, BATTER) as session members."

In other news, WARMASTER are putting the finishing touches on their as-yet-untitled split CD with VUIST. "Last week Rik laid down the bass tracks and now Corné is recording the vocals at A.M. Studio (Gouda)," the band write. "Amongst others the following songs will appear on the split: 'Testimony of the Grave' and 'Psychological Suffering'. Early February VUIST will record their part of the split at A.M. Studio (Gouda). Some [VUIST] songtitles to appear on the split are 'Enigma in Ashes', 'Generation Panzerfaust', 'Manmade Madness'. The bands are negotiating with some labels to relase the split CD. Estimate is to release the CD in April/May!"

Check out rehearsal recordings from both WARMASTER and VUIST on MySpace: Warmaster, Vuist.