Chicago's USURPER has issued the following update:

"USURPER European tour for this fall has been canceled. Unfortunately, between a lineup change and taking care of securing a new record deal the band will be focusing on getting a new album done before they play live. Usurper plans on hitting the road as soon as their next album is released.

"Regarding the lineup change, USURPER drummer Apocalyptic Warlord is no longer in the band. USURPER wishes him well, yet found it necessary to move on without him at this point. The band will announce a new drummer in the next few weeks. Also, expect original USURPER vocalist General Diabolical Slaughter to return for a few select track on the new album!

"USURPER guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Rick Scythe also has a new project called NIGHTSHADE. NIGHTSHADE is a band that was spawned from the darker elements of the 'Skeletal Season' era. Rick decided to wait until downtime from USURPER to record the debut MCD, 'Majick Potion'. NIGHTSHADE is not a side-project, but a full-time band that will continue to release CDs in the future. Check out the official MySpace page for more details.

"That's all for now. USURPER thanks you for your support and looks forward to seeing you freaks on the road in the near future!"