In an exclusive interview conducted by Czech Republic’s fan-site Illninofan, ILL NIÑO guitarist Diego Verduzco stated the following about his former bandmates from ODUM – Los Angeles/California-based metal group formed in 2005, which returned to activities this year with the release of its self-titled second EP:

“Leaving Odum (in spring 2006) wasn’t so much a difficult decision as it was more of a guilty one. I loved Odum and together with Gus (Conde, drums) and Rob (‘Z.’, vocals/guitars) we hacked away at it for a couple of years. When I was given the opportunity to join Ill Niño, I could not say no to joining my favourite band and making a dream come true. I felt bad about leaving Odum, but I don’t think I did anything that any of them would not have done. I would never regret that decision. Ill Niño is my family and my home. I still talk to almost all the original members of Odum, Gus and Rob, I believe they are trying to recreate the group,” Verduzco says.

For the complete interview, go to this location.

In other news, the Brazilian metallers Odum keep searching for musicians to complete the group’s new formation. Currently, Odum has only two members, remnants of the former lineup – Rob and Gus –, and they’re still in studio both rehearsing and holding auditions for a new bassist (preferably female) to prepare themselves for the upcoming North American tour, which will mark the band’s official return to stages.

Backstage information indicating that a new guitar player had already been chosen is confirmed by Gus. “Yes, we have a probable name on the way, but it will be announced at the right time,” He reveals, “I can only say that he played alongside an ex-WHITE ZOMBIE drummer, and is also related to STATIC-X crew.”

The first tour of Odum was performed between 2005 and mid-2006 by several night clubs throughout U.S. West Coast – like an especial sold out show at the famous BB King's Blues Club in Universal Studios, Hollywood –, when Diego Verduzco was also part of the group, along with two other American members. At that time, Odum released its debut EP called “Forever”, which was produced by Steve Tushar (FEAR FACTORY, KORN and MEGADETH). Check out the old tunes featuring Ill Niño current guitar player at this location.

In 2007, Odum confirmed its separation, but in early 2008 the original founders Rob and Gus announced their return to activities. Composing and rehearsing for a couple of months, they recorded alone an EP of three tracks, including a promo video (can be viewed below) – as previously stated, the German musician and producer Ralf Krashkarma was chosen to head the project, which was recorded at Ralf’s studio in Hollywood –, with all the stuff available on the Internet.

For more information on Odum, visit its official website (http://www.odummusic.com) or MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/odummusic).