Abscess Break Up, Autopsy Reform

Gore metal outfit Abscess have called it quits after 16 years of headbanging horror and their sixth and final studio effort, "Dawn of Inhumanity," which was released in March. But don't fret. Drummer/vocalist Chris Reifert is resurrecting Autopsy in Abscess' stead. It's like a battle of bodily functions.

"Abscess has officially broken up," Reifert said in an official statement. "Clint Bower has left the band for personal reasons, and out of respect to him and to all who have supported us for these 16 years, we have decided to call it a day. Without Clint Bower, there can be no Abscess, so we won't even try to cheat anyone with something that is not the real thing."

Now that Abscess are in the rear view, Autopsy are being restored to their metal glory. The group, founded by Reifert, played the eighth annual Maryland Deathfest and have headlining performances scheduled for the Party San Open Air and the Hole in the Sky festivals this summer.

About their exhumation, Autopsy commented, "For years it has been repeatedly stated that Autopsy was over with and done for good. While that was indeed true for a long span of time, it is no longer the case. Autopsy has come to the solid realization that the time is now right to resume their mission of gore-soaked death metal brutality and to fulfill this mission with maximum intensity. Make no mistake about it, Autopsy is not about reliving the past, basking in nostalgia or riding on efforts from years long gone.

"The band is hungry to devour fresh minds and souls and has been amassing an arsenal of new and deathly material to unleash upon those who also hunger for such brutality. The surgical instruments are being sharpened and a pure death metal assault of the most horrific order is underway as you read these very words. On behalf of the band, thanks goes out to all who relented and simply would not allow this beast to remain in the grave. Your persistence will be met with unspeakable and unapologetic sonic atrocities. Let the blood flow."

Unfortunately, the band declined Noisecreep's request for further comment, so this is all the information we've been able to glean. But with the scalpels stropped, the death metal fiends will release 'The Tomb Within' EP this August via Peaceville, with vivid, eye arresting artwork, courtesy of renowned horror/fantasy artist Matt Cavotta, who has designed for the 'Magic the Gathering' game. The band's fifth album, 'Macabre Eternal,' is slated for 2011.