UK-based gothic power metallers PYTHIA have posted the following update:

"Hello Pythians, wishing you all a Happy New Year from everyone here in the ‘band-camp’!

Never known for sitting still, the boys and girl have been busy little bee’s lately: First of all, a big thank you to everyone at our last few UK shows of the year. All those at the Scala show were treated to a new track - 'Just A Lie', played live for the first time. In fact, that was probably the third time the guys had played the song all together in the same room! The crowd reaction was great, so I think you may see that one in regular rotation in the Pythia set.

Hard Rock Hell was a show of many extremes... Extreme cold, extremely late show time, extremely drunk fans, and an extremely late/pissed off lead singer and lead guitarist. But nonetheless, the show was amazing, just a pity we couldn’t all hang around longer.

Before we move on there is a big thank you and somewhat of an introduction needed. The more observant ones amongst you probably noticed Ross’ normally reflective head was slightly more hirsute and a little further from the floor at some of our last shows: Ladies and Gentlemen I give you our long suffering stand in - Oz! Oz is Ross’ former bandmate from HEAD-ON, and generally fills in when one of the boys with a guitar has the sniffles.

On to what’s up and coming (why else would you be reading this!?). The new album is nearly finished the recording stages and everyone in the band is extremely excited. Initial reports are ‘more of the last album, just bigger and more epic in every direction’ says Andy. The release date is set for sometime in the second quarter of the year and you can rest assured that the live performances will come shortly after, as the gigs are what the band is all about after all!

There will also be a video to compliment the release. No details as yet, but he lot of them are frantically planning, scheming, setting fire to things, and generally making their garb look more imposing for the event. As soon as we know any more details the Pythia News Network will reveal all we know.

There was also a new t-shirt released for the last few shows, if you haven’t got one yet, why not?! Featuring the artwork from the fantastic Clive Arrowsmith and Hayley Madden it is sure to be a future collector’s item!

Lastly, but let alone leastly, the World Domination quest continues to the coasts of the Land of the Rising Sun. Yes folks you heard it right, Pythia are truly intercontinental!

Signing a two album deal with Spinning, a hot independent who approached the band, Beneath the Veiled Embrace is released on February 23rd, and they will be bringing the as-yet-untitled masterwork that is the second album to our friends in Japan soon after. Keep an eye out for a feature in Burrn! Magazine, Japan’s biggest selling metal mag.

The Japanese release features new artwork and bonus tracks, so grab one if you can!

That‘s it, we’re fresh out of news, beside various hair/beard trimmings and some other even more mundane bits of tat, we are totally out!

See you all real soon!"