Nuclear Blast has issued that the Norwegian doomsday rockers CHROME DIVISION featuring guitarist Shagrath (DIMMU BORGIR) and singer Shady Blue (aka Athera, SUSPERIA) are set to play three shows in Germany and Italy in April.

26.04. D Düsseldorf – Pitcher29 Club
27.04. D Dortmund – Rock in den Ruinen Festival
28.04. I Vercelli – Santhia Maratona Rock 13

Vocalist Shady Blue comments on both trips: “Germany! Raise your Flags and prepare for the ultimate Doomsday experience! CHROME DIVISION will return on the 26th April to Düssedorf at the Pitcher29 club, and in Dortmund – Rock In Den Ruinen Festival on the 27th.We are stoked to be back in Germany after 2 years and play live again! While still working on the new album, which is coming along fantastically, we welcome a break to come and drink beers and raise hell with you all. Looking forward to meet new and old fans and have some ballbreaking shows! We are the CHROME DIVISION and we`re coming to town!“

„The gig in Italy is a charity/rememberance festival for a young girl who died from a drunk driver. Her parents run the festival and it’s in its 5th year. Many italian bands play for free each year to support, and they each year have a special headliner act. This year it is us!“

CHROME DIVISION, the Norwegian five-piece featuring DIMMU BORGIR frontman Shagrath (a.k.a. Stian Thoresen) on guitar, has parted ways with bassist Björn “Burn” Luna and guitarist Ricky Black. Luna, who was a member of CHROME DIVISION since its inception in 2004, “will work with us from behind the curtains of doom, and contribute on the lyrical side of things in the future,” according to the band.

The group adds, “For a while we have been working heavily on the new album with our new permanent members. Our new bass player Ogee has been filling out as session live guitarist/bassist for a long time and is now onboard for the ride. The perfect successor and a natural choice to welcome into the ranks.

“On lead guitar we present to you the extremely talented Damage Karlsen of former BREED fame. Shoes hard to fill, but he damn near broke the mold!

“Both guys are an inspiring addition to the song writing process and the new material smells like burnt rubber!”

CHROME DIVISION current lineup:

Shagrath – Guitar
Ogee – Bass
Shady Blue (a.k.a. Athera) – Vocals
Damage Karlsen – Guitar
Tony White – Drums

The first photos of the new CHROME DIVISION lineup can be seen below.

CHROME DIVISION‘s “Ghost Riders In The Sky” video was filmed with director Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company (DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE, KAMELOT), who previously worked with the group on the “Bulldogs Unleashed” and “Serial Killer” videos (the latter off 2006′s “Doomsday Rock ‘N’ Roll” album).

A cover version of the JOHNNY CASH classic, “Ghost Riders In The Sky” comes off CHROME DIVISION‘s third album, “3rd Round Knockout”, which was released in Europe on May 6, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Marius Strand Studio in Oslo.

CHROME DIVISION in August 2009 parted ways with longtime vocalist Eddie Guz “due to lack of dedication and commitment to the band.” His replacement is none other than Athera of SUSPERIA, who filled in for Guz at the Winterfire Festival at Hessenhallen in Giessen, Germany on February 21, 2009 after Eddie Guz was unable to make the gig.

Photos by: Kjell Ivar Lund. Source: Blabbermouth.net