CLOVEN HOOF recently released a new five-song

NWOBHM legends CLOVEN HOOF have parted ways with Ben Read (lead guitar), Mick Powell (rhythm guitar) and Jon Brown (drums). Bassist Lee Payne (bass) and stand-in vocalist Russ North are currently in negotiation with the promoters to see if they can still make the two previously announced festivals — September 10 at the Metal Warning Festival III in Helsinki, Finland and September 11 at the Swordbrothers Festival in Andernach, Germany — "out of loyalty to the fans."

According to a posting on the band's official web site, "CLOVEN HOOF have vowed to return stronger than ever with dedicated band members fit to be in the band."

CLOVEN HOOF recently released a new five-song EP entitled "Throne Of Damnation". It contains three new songs — "Prime Time", "Running Man" and "Freak Show" — along with reworked versions of "Whore of Babylon" and "Night Stalker", the latter of which is featured on the Brütal Legend game.

The EP is available as a limited run only. The first 500 copies are on sale at a special price of £5.00, including postage and packing. Order a copy at this location.

Russ North announced in October that he was leaving CLOVEN HOOF to pursue a solo singing career away from heavy metal.

CLOVEN HOOF re-recorded 24 of its classic songs for a two-part "best-of" compilation, "The Definitive Part One" and "The Definitive Part Two".

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