RIOT/THE LIZARDS vocalist Mike DiMeo, who recently replaced Jorn Lande as the singer of MASTERPLAN, has issued the following statement:

"In response to all the mail I have been receiving about my status with RIOT.... I have had many great years with the band, and I am tremendously proud of all the work I have done with them, especially [the latest CD] 'Army of One', but at this point in my life and career, I prefer to forge ahead with a new path musically. I look forward to a new creative beginning with MASTERPLAN, who are an incredibly talented and motivated group of guys!! I wish RIOT the best of luck in the future and will always consider them brothers."

RIOT's latest album, "Army of One", was released in Europe in October via Metal Heaven. The CD was issued in Japan on July 17 via the Toshiba-EMI label.

RIOT's current touring lineup includes singer Mike Tirelli (MESSIAH'S KISS, HOLY MOTHER, BURNING STARR), who has been filling in for DiMeo due to DiMeo's previous commitments with THE LIZARDS (also featuring drummer Bobby Rondinelli of BLUE ÖYSTER CULT/BLACK SABBATH/RAINBOW fame).

As previously reported, the cover artwork of the new MASTERPLAN EP, entitled "Lost and Gone", has been posted online at this location. Due on January 26 via AFM Records, the CD is the first release to feature the group's new lineup — left to right in picture: Roland Grapow (guitar), Jan S. Eckert (bass), Mike Terrana (drums; YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, AXEL RUDI PELL, METALIUM, RAGE), Axel Mackenrott (keyboards) and DiMeo. An audio sample of the EP's title cut has been posted online at this location (audio player in upper right-hand corner).

MASTERPLAN's third album is due on February 23. A European tour in support of SAXON will follow in February-May.

MASTERPLAN's original singer, Jorn Lande, left the band in May, citing "musical differences" between the vocalist and the rest of the band. During the songwriting process for the group's third album, it became increasingly apparent that the other members of the band had different visions and plans for the group's musical direction. While Jorn wanted MASTERPLAN to follow a more melodic path, the rest of the band wanted to return to the metallic roots of their debut album.

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