French metallers HEAVENLY have parted ways with guitarist Frédéric Leclercq, bassist Pierre-Emmanuel Pelisson and drummer Maxence Pilo. The split, which leaves vocalist Benjamin Sotto and guitarist Charley Corbiaux as the sole remaining members of the group, is being attributed to "musical and professional" differences.

According to a posting on the band's official web site, three new musicians (whose names will be revealed "soon") are already working with the band on the material for their next studio album, which they will record before the end of the year. Several live appearances in the fall are planned as well.

HEAVENLY's third album, "Dust To Dust", was released in January through Sanctuary/Noise Records. The follow-up to 2001's "Sign Of The Winner" was mixed by Sascha Paeth (ANGRA, RHAPSODY, KAMELOT) and was described by the group as "more heavy metal and more symphonic" than the band's previous efforts.

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Heavenly