DEATH DEALER, the new band featuring MANOWAR and the DICTATORS guitarist Ross “The Boss” Friedman alongside vocalist Sean Peck (CAGE), guitarist Stu Marshall (producer and guitarist for such voices as Udo Dirkschneider and Steve Grimmett) and bassist Mike Davis (HALFORD, LIZZY BORDEN), has parted ways with drummer Kenny “Rhino” Earl (MANOWAR) and has replaced him with Steve Bolognese, formerly of INTO ETERNITY.
Says the band: “DEATH DEALER would like to wish Kenny all the best as he departs the unit to spend more time with his family and concentrate on a career outside of music. He will always be our brother.”
A former drummer for INTO ETERNITY and a Berklee College Of Music instructor, Bolognese is often spoken of as “the drummer’s drummer,” having received mentoring from drum prodigy Mike Mangini (DREAM THEATER).
Says Steve: “I’m happy to announce I have joined DEATH DEALER. It’s been awhile since I’ve played such triumphant metal but it feels great to be back at it. It’s amazing to be in a band with such talented musicians. I’m really looking forward to working on this new epic material and hitting the road with it for all to see.”
Added Peck: “When we discovered Steve was interested in joining the band, I called him up and found out he is a true road warrior.
“We have a lot of tour plans coming up and he has been on some great ones. He knows the game and how to bend it to his will, no matter what the circumstances may be.
“Besides being a technical thrash master from hell, he is a funny dude and fun to hang out with, which will make him a welcome addition to DEATH DEALER as we get ready to really blast off with a packed 2014 schedule! I couldn’t be happier!
Said Marshall: “While Steve has some amazing technical credentials, he has a strong foundation as a fan in traditional and true metal. He’s a total monster behind that kit.”
Commented Davis: “Steve and I have been jamming the DEATH DEALER set for a few months now here in Hollywood and it has just been ferocious! He was our targeted first choice when we knew Rhino needed to be replaced. We are just glad he was available and now it is time to throw down the gauntlet! Now that three of us [Davis, Peck and Bolognese] in the band are located here in Southern California, it makes it everything we are planning and doing that much easier.”
DEATH DEALER is working on material for its second album for a 2014 release.