Drummer David Kinkade (ARSIS, BORKNAGAR) has issued the following update:

"I would first like to extend my deepest thanks to everyone who offered me condolences after my Grandmother's passing. She was pretty much a mother to me. We were very close and I will miss her deeply, but I am confident that she is strong and keeping an eye on everything in the next realm. For those who don't know, my Grandmother (probably the only 72 year old woman who has seen METALLICA live), passed away on X-mas day, 2 days after I returned home from the Metalfest 2008 tour, after a 5 month battle with cancer. She was the 1 person who put faith in my musical ambition's since day 1.

On to business... As stated, the rest of Arsis and I just returned home from the European Metalfest 2008 tour with MORBID ANGEL, KATAKLYSM, MARDUK and KEEP OF KALESSIN. The tour was very successful having played to sold out shows nearly every night. A salute goes out to the road / production crew who made it all flow smoothly, Guenther and David from Rock The Nation and all the bands we shared the stage with. Most importantly, thanks to all the fans, old and new, you guys rule.

Today (Wednesday January 7th), I will head to Europe to prepare for the recording of the new Borknagar album. On the 19th, I will enter the studio and start laying drums down. I can honestly say that I believe this to be the best Borknagar material to date. I have been a fan of the band for many years and this material has all the elements in their most raw, pure, epically natural form. It is an honor for me to be making my 1st recording with one of my favorite bands and to work with such great people. I can assure ALL Borknagar fans that you will NOT be disappointed.

Finally, It looks like the next few months will be very busy for me between Arsis and Bork work, I also have some side projects in the works. I have uploaded some videos of Arsis live in Europe, shot by Kataklysm's lighting technician, to my YouTube channel. Check them out at this location.

Looking forward to seeing you all on the road soon. Hails."