Reunited French industrial metal pioneers TREPONEM PAL (named after the bacteria that causes syphilis) will headline the Paul Raven tribute show at The London Underworld on Wednesday, May 28. The band is keen to pay tribute to the much-admired musician — eminent bass player of KILLING JOKE, GODFLESH, PIGFACE, MURDER INC., PRONG, MINISTRY — who was working on the new TREPONEM PAL album when he tragically passed away in October of last year.

Says vocalist Marco Neves: "I met this guy 16 years ago and we immediately got along very quickly!! He was a very positive human being, totally dedicated to living his life at 1000%. Our vision of music and our taste was so opened in different ways, to a lot of different sounds and colors. It really helped us to escape from the same classic 'routine.' He was a true rebel… coming up on stage with such an infectious energy to offer!!!! He used music as a weapon for life and fun and also to express his rage and torment, against politics and a mean to get beneath the skirts of beautiful women. And the most important thing was the way he loved to share everything with his friends and all people in general!!! A very unique human being!! An original freedom fighter!!!! Paul, you'll be forever tattooed in our hearts!! This album is entirely dedicated to you, bro!! Rest in peace!!"

TREPONEM PAL has just released its new album, "Weird Machine", via Listenable Records. Recorded in Geneva, produced by David Weber and written by Marco Neves (vocals, development), Didier B. (keyboards, samplers), Polak (guitars) and the late Paul Raven, the CD is described as a "pure weapon of massive destruction and distraction seriously dangerous and open-minded."

Formed in 1986, TREPONEM PAL's first (self-titled) and third ("Excess and Overdrive") LPs were produced by Franz Treichler (YOUNG GODS); their second, "Aggravation", by Roli Mosimann (SWANS, WISEBLOOD). This album probably represents their most focused achievement, combining frontman Marco Neves' bleak world view and gift for striking lyrics and the band's controlled aggression, most comparable to U.S. bands the MELVINS and PRONG. Live performances were extraordinary affairs: their policy of employing two bass players rendered their sound massive, Michel Bassin was a very gifted guitarist (he played with MINISTRY on one of their U.S. tours) and Marco Neves a physically imposing performer.

TREPONEM PAL performing live – March 8, 2008: