RITCHIE WILKISON Leaves SILENCER

Colorado's SILENCER have parted ways with guitarist Ritchie Wilkison (ANGEL DUST, DEMONS & WIZARDS).

"It is with great regret that we must announce lead guitarist Ritchie Wilkison has left SILENCER as of last Sunday 10/27," begins the group's official statement on the matter. "The band were informed via e-mail one week before their CD release/tour kickoff show that he would be unable to perform on the tour, then subsequently the Denver date due to financial and family obligations...and furthermore that he was leaving the band. This was the reason for the tour cancellation, but the band made the decision to at least play the Denver CD release date. We must express our most sincere thanks to guitarist Dan Lynn (EMBER) for filling in on such extreme short notice. We weren't able to play the full intended set but still were happy to perform nonetheless, and we thank the entire audience for their rabid support. Special thanks to Russ Austin, Brent Fox & Erebus Music and all the bands on the bill for their extreme hard work in promoting this show.

"This lineup dilemma could not have come at a worse time on the heels of the 'Structures' CD release, but it will not stop the onslaught of the SILENCER cosmic metal machine. The band are still scheduled to play Saturday Dec. 7th at the December Deep Freeze II with Century Media recording artists & headliners ONWARD, the reformed MANDRAKE, and 421. Plans for a rescheduled 'Structures' tour are being considered, but of course will be up in the air indefinitely until a permanent guitarist can be secured and brought up to speed. But make no mistake, these kinds of setbacks (which have happened in the past) only make us stronger...and the result you will see are even more intense live performances and subsequently more fierce material. The band are still very proud of the 'Structures' EP material and are eager to perform it and continue the progression musically in the near future.

"This brings us to the business of finding a new lead guitarist. Think you have what it takes? We encourage interested parties to contact us immediately, as the rewards to be reaped by filling this position are great. Candidates must be proficient & creative lead players also with very tight rhythm skills. Furthermore they must have absolutely no chemical, financial, schedule, equipment or dedication hang-ups, and must look the part (ages 18-30 preferably). Contact the band directly at or by phone at 303.279.2603. Have a recent tape or CD of your playing and a recent photograph ready to mail upon contacting us. We are an extremely hard working band who upon your hire will be embarking on further aggressive promotional activities, writing new material and will begin gigging immediately both here and regionally."