Vortigern (SLAUGHTER BRUTE, ex NOCTICULA) has joined the line-up of Ukrainian black metallers BALFOR, as a replacement for former drummer Erland. Commented frontman Thorgeir: “Unfortunately Erland had to move and the considerable distance meant that it was very difficult for him to come to rehearsals, and indeed, we had to cancel a couple of gigs because of it. We had been playing together for a long time, and he will be much missed, both as a drummer and as a friend. However, we are delighted to have been able to recruit Vortigern. We have admired his drumming for some time; he is very expressive in his playing and is adding a new dimension to the band’s music. His drumming can shake the earth! He has fitted in perfectly with the band on a personal level, which is very important, and we have already played live with him in the line-up, and the response from the fans has been fantastic”.

Pure Barbaric, the band’s promo MCD was released last year, for free download on a net label, and Thorgeir is currently working on material for the new album, which the band plans to start recording in January 2008. The band will be looking for a traditional label for the release. “Releasing on a net label for free download worked very well, as it allowed us to reach far more people that we could have otherwise have done, more so than we expected in fact, and it has helped us establish a very strong fan base, but it’s not something we considered doing for the full-length” says Thorgeir.

Balfor have a seven-date tour of the Ukraine lined up in late November, with the Russian band PERUN. A full schedule will be released when the final details are available. Pure Barbaric, together with a video of the band playing live during their recent tour with SUIDAKRA, and all cover artwork can be downloaded for free from the band’s website.