MARAZENE Drummer Completes Chemotherapy, Condition: "Stable"
March 28, 2008, 16 years ago
Chicago based machine-metalists MARAZENE have issued an update on drummer and co-founder Kristov Kemp's battle with cancer via a blog posting on the bands official MySpace page.
"Scans came back stable today [Thursday, March 27th] which means the affected nodes haven't gotten any bigger or smaller and no other cancer has developed. Thanks to everyone for the comments and kind words! The tremendous outpouring of support over the past six months has been uplifting to say the least."In late September of 2007 Kristov suffered a last minute cancer relapse which prevented him from joining the band on their tour with MUSHROOMHEAD last fall. Careful last minute logistical maneuvering by the band and an 11th hour confirmation by Mushroomhead percussionist Dan 'Little Dan' Fox, who filled in on drums for the band on the five week trek, saved the tour.
Kristov Kemp was first diagnosed with intestinal cancer in May 2006 and had surgery to remove a cancerous growth and numerous lymph nodes followed by chemotherapy for much of the remainder of the year. Despite the intensive treatment, he continued to perform with Marazene as they toured the Midwest in support their debut album, MachiNation.
Marazene would go on to complete three national tours in 2007 with such acts as Mushroomhead, PSYCLON NINE, DEADSTAR ASSEMBLY, and THE HUMAN ABSTRACT as well as dozens of Midwestern regional tour dates in support, all under the banner 100% DIY.
Marazene are currently in the studio writing the follow-up to their debut album, MachiNation, self released on 06.06.06.
Marazene multi-instrumentalist and co-founder DieTrich Thrall recently issued a studio update for the band:
"We have a couple dozen really strong song ideas and we're writing more every day. There's plenty of new material in all different stages of development and we're constantly bouncing riffs off of one another on whatever instrument the part calls for.We're aiming for a Spring '08 Sneak Peek at live shows and other audio outlets and of course we'll keep everyone up to speed once we have things a bit more ironed out so sit tight."