Long-running Canadian metallers VOIVOD — who currently feature in their ranks former METALLICA bassist Jason Newsted — have secured a slot on the second stage at this year's Ozzfest. An official press release is expected shortly. VOIVOD's self-titled CD is due on March through Newsted's Chophouse label in association with Surfdog Records. A month-long headlining U.S. tour is scheduled to kick off on April 10. Ozzfest 2003 will begin on June 28 in San Antonio, Texas.

CRADLE OF FILTH have also been officially confirmed as one of the second-stage acts at this year's edition of Ozzfest. As a result, the band have been forced to pull out of Germany's Wacken Open Air festival (set to take place in early August) and have been replaced on the bill at Wacken by Sweden's IN FLAMES. As previously reported, artists believed to have secured spots on the main stage at Ozzfest 2003 include KORN, MARILYN MANSON, CHEVELLE and DISTURBED. Also confirmed for the second stage are KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and GRADE 8. CRADLE OF FILTH's new album, "Damnation And A Day", is due to be released on March 10 in Europe and March 25 in North America.

---