Los Angeles power metal trio NINTH CIRCLE have issued the following year-end report:

"2011 is nearing its end and Ninth Circle is moving toward a new beginning! That new beginning is a brand new Ninth Circle record! Before we talk about that, let us reflect on the heavy year that was 2011. 2011 was year filled with excitement, hard work, fun and truly serious events that shaped the band.

On only the second day of 2011, Ninth Circle was booked to support PAUL DI'ANNO of IRON MAIDEN fame. Unfortunately due to an unexpected freak snow storm, Paul Di’anno was forced to cancel hours before being on stage. The show went on and Ninth Circle rocked the house into the early morning with a few friends; THE IRON MAIDENS, Neil Turbin (ANTHRAX, DEATHRIDERS) and Phil Campbell (MOTÖRHEAD). An amazing night was had by fans who witnessed the impromptu all-star jams.

Discussions within the band early in the year brought about the idea of recording a new record. They decided to do only a handful of shows in the first quarter of the year so there would be time dedicated to writing. With that decision being made, Ninth Circle agreed to open for QUIET RIOT in February on their reunion tour. This was a nice homecoming for Dave Davis who was reunited with his former roommate, bassist Chuck Wright of Quiet Riot. This was the first time Quiet Riot and Ninth Circle shared the stage.

February also brought about major disappoint for the band; a break-in at the band’s studio. Equipment belonging to the band was stolen and most was never recovered. Dennis’ prized Ibanez guitar, the one Phil Campbell of Motörhead played a few weeks earlier, was among the items stolen. The band was devastated and quickly had to find a new home.

March arrived and the band turned their attention to writing the next record. However, promoters came calling and management offered an opportunity of playing a few shows with The Iron Maidens as part of the Spring Breakout Tour. Ninth Circle obliged as it was too good of an opportunity. The band left the studio to play a few shows in March and April with to road test some new material.

Just before the band could hit the road, drummer Dave Davis seriously injured his back to the point which he could not carry on playing. Having agreements to play shows in March and April, and the band was added as special guests to the inaugural Inland Empire Metalfest, Ninth Circle was now faced with a dilemma; cancel the tour or carry on with a replacement drummer. Dave’s condition deteriorated requiring back surgery and would be out of action for up to three months. With shows on the books and having the reputation of never cancelling a show in the band’s 15 year history, the band turned to long-time friend and drummer, Jim Standerfer of ONE ROW BELOW / DIAMONDS & RUST.

With only a week’s worth of rehearsal under its belt, the band hit the road with fill-in drummer Jim Standerfer playing to packed houses. On the first night of the tour the band welcomed Eric Claro of SCARRED on stage for the encore. As a tribute to the late RONNIE JAMES DIO, the band closed their set with an incredible rendition of Dio’s 'Rainbow In The Dark'.

The last night of the Spring Breakout Tour was a “special guest” appearance at the inaugural Inland Empire Metalfest with DESTRUCTION, HEATHEN and WARBEAST. Ninth Circle brought the house down with a brilliant set with Jim Standerfer behind the drums and Ninth Circle drummer Dave Davis in attendance providing moral support during his recovery. It was an incredible evening where the band’s nucleus had reunited for the first time in months among friends, family and fans.

Dave’s recovery from back surgery progressed nicely and the band reconvened in June at Frank’s home studio to continue writing new material for the next record. This was the first time in over three months the band had gotten together in the same room to discuss and write new material. Within a week the band was back in the rehearsal studio.

Writing sessions continued and it turned out to be a prolific period in the band’s writing history. The band was pumping out new ideas quickly. The band wanted to regain the power and enthusiasm of playing live before heading into the studio. It was also a good way to get Dave back into performance shape again after his back surgery. After meeting with management, the band booked a short summer tour that took them from July to August with dates with LIZZY BORDEN, WW III, MR. BIG and a return to the grand stage at the Orange County Fair.

Ninth Circle concluded their summer tour with a triumphant night as direct support to Mr. Big. To mark the occasion, Ninth Circle was asked to play an extended set. The band, playing in front of their heroes Paul Gilbert, Billy Sheehan, Pat Torpey and Eric Martin, left an undeniable impression on every fan in the house that had supported them throughout the year. Everyone was grinning from ear to ear backstage after the set. Almost a full year of ups and downs ended on an incredible high note.

In mid-August the band returned to the studio re-energized and full of new creative concepts. They plowed ahead and picked up where they left off in the writing session. After spending three months holed up in the studio writing and rehearsing new material, they band decided to close out the year with two shows; a November supporting slot for GREAT WHITE and a charity event in the form of Power Metal for Tots, a great evening of Metal featuring Los Angeles’ leading four power metal bands, Scarred, AXE HAMMER, NEW EDEN, and, of course, Ninth Circle

With challengesand the of highs and lows behind them, Ninth Circle now find themselves in a fantastic position, ready to record their third metal masterpiece. Studio time has been scheduled and the producers have been selected. The band is as excited as ever to record what they feel to be their magnum opus.

In keeping with their tradition the band has not taken any short-cuts and promises to deliver a heavy melodic metal album in 2012!

Thanks for all of your support and we’ll see you in 2012!

There can never be too much metal!"