California-based female-fronted band OTEP has parted ways with guitarist Karma Cheema (ex-AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE).

Commented OTEP frontwoman Otep Shamaya: "Karma has decided to pursue other opportunities and we are happy to announce the new addition of Aaron on guitar. [Thursday night, March 22] was his first night with us and he did an amazing job. He is a true musical magi of the highest degree."

Check out Aaron's MySpace page at this location.

Otep Shamaya recently issued a statement in response to the persistent rumors that the band has been dropped by Capitol Records as a result of the recently announced merger of Capitol and Virgin Records into the Capitol Music Group.

OTEP's third full-length album, "The_ Ascension", was previously scheduled for release on March 20. The CD was recorded in New Orleans over the course of several months with Grammy-winning producer Dave Fortman (EVANESCENCE, MUDVAYNE). A new release date has not yet been announced.

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