Australia-based blackened thrash metallers DESTRÖYER 666 have announced that they have parted ways with lead guitarist Ian Gray, aka Shrapnel, stating: "Shrapnel has left the band on amicable terms for personal reasons."

Guitarist/vocalist KK states: "The end of an era - Shrapnel has for personal reasons decided that the past weekends Southern Cross Fest will be his last show with Deströyer. The man has been with the band since 1996 and has been pivotal to the bands career over the past 16 years. It was without doubt a fitting end to what has been one hell of a ride. A fine musician, a great mate, a brother, and an integral member of this pack, he will be greatly missed. Deströyer will continue..."

Sharpnel states: "Many thanks for all the words of support. I raise my glass to you all. Deströyer 666 has been a massive part of life for the last 16 years and will always be a part of me. The journey it has taken me on has been simply incredible. From the other side of the planet... to places I never dreamed of going, to meeting people from all over the world... and many becoming my friends. No, I'm not stopping music or turning my back on metal. I can't... it runs through my veins. I wish my brothers KK, Matty and Mersus every success and the beast that is Deströyer 666 will continue. AUSTRALIAN AND ANTICHRIST FOREVER!!!!!"

After the success of last year’s reissue of Deströyer 666’ classic Cold Steel… For An Iron Age, many fans asked for the 2000 masterpiece Phoenix Rising to get the same treatment. Well, that time has come. On August 24th (28th in North America), the band's sophomore album will hit the stores as CD and LP in remastered editions with brand new artwork and liner notes from the band.

With the release of Phoenix Rising, the band reached a new dimension. With their steadily growing popularity, Deströyer 666 had clearly delivered a must-have masterpiece in the view of old and new fans alike.

The icing on the cake is that the long-awaited reissue of Cold Steel… in vinyl LP will be released on August 24th as well.

Further details to follow.