The QUEENSRŸCHE camp has issued the following update on the Seattle metallers:

"While Geoff (Tate) has been off on his Insania mini-tour, the other guys have been keeping occupied with their own projects.

In addition to handling drumming duties for the Geoff Tate Band, Scott (Rockenfield) is currently working with Whip (Michael Wilton) on a side project called RAY GUN and described as a metal music. And, as always, taking over the world one drum at a time with his Rocken Wraps.

Whip most likely has the ten busiest fingers on the planet right now. In addition to the Ray Gun project with Scott, he has been working on his guitar tracks for the upcoming Queensrÿche album. He is continuing to work on the next highly anticipated SOULBENDER release with rumored vocal contributions by Tim "Ripper" Owens.

Rat Pak Records will be releasing another compilation CD that will feature the Soulbender song 'Three Towers'. To fill his need for speed Whip is working on another project with some new guys, which Whip describes as "extreme metal," so, stay tuned for WRATCHETHEAD! If that isn't enough there is always Whip's quintessential WhipWear clothing line.

Speaking of the need for speed, Mike Stone has been tearing it up in the studio and on the race track. Mike has been working on the SPEED X project with Nick Cantanese of BLACK LABEL SOCIETY and Joshua Sattler and Mike Froedge formerly of DOUBLE DRIVE.

Yesterday Mike had the opportunity to take a brand new 2009 Buell 1125CR, courtesy of Erik Buell to track day in Wisconsin where he learned basic motorcycle racing technique and then was given the opportunity to get out on the track and strut his stuff. Mike said he didn't get too crazy this time and only topped out at about 125 mph, but related that it was a life changing experience and he is now hooked on racing.

Edbass (Eddie Jackson) has been enjoying his time off and rumor has it was seen out mowing his own lawn at one point. If his lawn was EMO it would cut itself and he'd have more free time for things like BEER!

Stay tuned for more updates!"

(Photo courtesy of Wisconsinsportbikes.net)