Australia's PAINDIVISION have issued the following press release:

Paindivision would like to announce some changes in the band and first, the departure of Mark Hobson. Mark has chosen to pursue his musical career further overseas in Finland. Mark will be missed from band and we wish him all the best for the future.

From Mark: "Moving overseas before 2010 is a personal goal which I set myself in 2008. It’s been an adventure being a part of Paindivision. Though, I am now set on my new journey to pursue my career overseas, I will always be a fan and a promoter for the music of the band. I wish the boys the best of luck for the future, and intend to help the Pain storm Europe.”

His permanent replacement will be Ben Thomas, who previously played guitar in Sydney based band THUNDASTEEL and also made a guest appearance on the album EMPIRES OF EDEN - Songs Of War And Vengeance. As one of Stu's guitar students, Ben has brought a devastating technique that will add to the bands dual shredding capabilities. We welcome him to the band and the busy year ahead.

From Ben: "I am honoured to be involved with such a world-class act like Paindivision and really look forward to the upcoming shows and what is to come. I wish Mark all the success for his future"

Ben's live performance debut with the band will be headlining the Onslaught Of Sound fest in Canberra, Australia on September 26th. This show will be captured on video for a future DVD release. The show also features Sydney thrashers SWITCHBLADE and a host of the countries emerging metal acts.

In other news, Dan Quinlan has taken on the role of playing bass in death metal act THE AMENTA. This role will work along side Dan’s singing/bass role in Paindivision while keeping the Pain a priority. A few of the guys complete side projects such as Stu Marshall’s Empires Of Eden and Ben Thomas in SKANK.

Writing has commenced on the follow-up to 2008's album One Path and will showcase for the first time on cd, the extraordinary drumming talent of Peter Hunt (ex-DRAGONFORCE and MARSHALL LAW). Pete has just finished up a touring stint drumming for IRON MAIDEN legend Paul Dianno.

One Path, released by Riot in 2008, received reviews with scores of 9/10 from metalobsession.net and 8/10 from metalforge.com, including a Japanese signing and release in early 2009. The upcoming and as yet untitled CD is set to deliver a more technical and brutal side to the bands sound.

For all updates, samples and news check out www.paindivision.com and www.myspace.com/paindivision. Special hand signed merch packs are available for a limited time only. Limited first pressings of One Path are also available.