PARADISE LOST have parted ways with drummer Lee Morris due to "personal and musical differences." No replacement has been named as yet, although the new album will continue to be recorded as previously planned. "We are sorry to see Lee go, and wish him all the best for the future," the band said in a statement. Morris added, "I think it was always going to be difficult integrating myself into an already established set-up, and although we have always had a varying degree of opinions, attitude and ethics on things over the last nine years, we have usually always managed to find a happy medium. However, I think that over the last year, the divide has really grown to a point where compromise is no longer really an option for any of us to maintain a healthy working relationship. I have complete respect for the band on this decision at this stage in their career, and I want to wish them every success on the forthcoming album and thank them for the good times. As for me, I'm not sure what the future has in store yet, but I do believe that all things in life happen for a reason and as one door closes another opens, so here's to new beginnings."

Lee Morris can still be contacted by emailing: lee@paradiselost.co.uk

As previously reported, PARADISE LOST are tentatively scheduled to enter the studio in April with producer Rhys Fulber (FEAR FACTORY, FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY) to begin recording the follow-up to 2002's "Symbol Of Life", tentatively due before the end of the year through G.U.N./BMG Records (in Europe). "Symbol Of Life", PARADISE LOST's ninth studio album, was produced by Fulber and was released in the U.S. through Koch Entertainment.

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Paradise Lost