German power metallers RAGE have enlisted new drummer André Hilgers (AXXIS, SILENT FORCE) to replace Mike Terrana who left the band in early December. A statement from Rage reads as follows:

"We proudly present our new man on the drums, André Hilgers. During works on the Nuclear Blast Anniversary album we were very surprised, how perfectly André's style matched to our new song 'Terrified'. So it was obvious, that we jammed through the Rage classics, and the sparks flew immediately. Andre had a lot of new ideas that fitted perfectly to our style and the understanding among us was harmonically. He brings a lot of fresh blood and power to the band and we have loads of fun again playing our music. Andre's 32 and he's from our area, what makes work a lot easier. With him he brings meanwhile 16 years of experience in studio and live work. He, as a metalfan from the beginning, followed the career of RAGE from its start, so he's perfectly into our material ( even the old stuff). Though he's got extraordinary musical abilities, he never lost touch and stayed based, in all his musical projects he focused more on playing for the songs and bands, than to boost his ego."

Hilgers has issued the following comment: "I would like to inform you today, that with immediate effect I'm the new drummer of Rage. Surely I was very happy regarding the request of the guys, and it’s a great honor, belonging to Rage now after drummers like Jörg Michael, Efti or Mike Terrana, lambasting the kettles. The studio job for the anniversary sampler for Nuclear Blast was so much fun, that I really look forward for the teamwork with Victor and Peavy, as it’s also a challenge for me, to work with such versed blooded musicians like Vic or an inherent part of the German metal scene... namely Peavy (Wagner - vocals/bass). Meanwhile, we’ve started rehearsal and we will present you a great show in Illingen, with some real highlights out of the Rage history. I would like to wish Mike good luck with MASTERPLAN and his next projects, as for me, he’s still a great drummer, putting an leveling bar for me! I also would like to clarify, that I remain part of Axxis and Silent Force. So dear friends, looking forward to a cool 2007 and what will happen and ..... surely you! Keep the metal flame alive... "

Click left to view a photo of the new lineup. As previously reported, Rage filmed their show in St. Petersburg, Russia earlier this year and it will emerge as a double DVD (Full Moon In St. Petersburg) with over six hours of material in February via Nuclear Blast.