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Sculptor René M. Hamel , whose extraordinary stage sets were a prominent feature of Mayhem’s performances, has joined their former vocalist Maniac in his new Doom Black Metal project SKITLIV. Aside from designing SKITLIV’s stage sets, Hamel, better known by his working name SPACEBRAIN, will also be in charge of designing the band’s videos, and, surprisingly, has also taken on the role of bass player.

Commented Hamel: “I very much liked the concept that Maniac had in mind for SKITLIV, and when I happened to bump into him in Elm Street this summer he mentioned that his bass player was having to leave due to commitments to his own band, and asked if I knew of a bass player. I did what anyone else would do when faced with such an opportunity: I lied, and said that I could play bass. I rehearsed together with the band for three months, and it all worked out really well, and decided to stay. Maniac and I have the same crazy ideas and I am taking those ideas and transforming them into stage and video design”.

Oslo-based Hamel, whose sculptures have been described as “… more of the same nightmarish world which Hieronymus Bosch once painted, but in Hamel's version we find the basic subject in our fear for what Man is about to transform himself into - not in any chastising Deity”, recently debuted his full human-sized sculpture Höllen Engel (Hells Angel) through a special MySpace page HERE.

SKITLIV are due to play six dates with GALLHAMMER on their upcoming European tour, and will be using some of SPACEBRAIN’s new stage designs on the tour.

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Former SHINING drummer Ted has joined the ranks of SKITLIV, replacing Canadian drummer Trish.  He is currently rehearsing with the band ready for the upcoming December tour with SHINING and HELLSAW.  Drum duties on the recently announced limited edition MCD will be carried out by Ivar, who played with SKITLIV on their recent tour.
Commented Maniac: "Trish was unable to join us on the recent tour due to commitments back in Canada, and her place was temporarily filled by Ivar, who is not, in fact, a drummer at all, but vocalist with SILVER; but he is one of those people who can master any instrument you put in his hands, and enjoyed his temporary career change!  It was really at that point that we realised that SKITLIV's music had moved very far, and in a completely different direction, from when she joined originally.  Trish is a terrific drummer and a great person, but her technique and personal musical interests are better suited to her other projects, rather than the slower paced, doom-oriented material we are now producing.  We all wish her the best of luck with her other bands".  
In respect of the MCD, Maniac explained: "Ted is currently rehearsing with us for the tour.  He fitted in right away with the rest of the band, and immediately understood what we were aiming for, so he will be ready very quickly. But due to time constraints Ivar will be playing on the MCD as we are starting to lay down the drum tracks right now and he knows the material already".  The three track, limited edition MCD, titled "Kristiansen and Kvarforth Swim in the Sea of Equilibrium...Waiting", which also includes an intro that has been specially arranged for SKTILIV by CURRENT 93, will be released in time for the tour and will only be available at the venues, or through the band's MySpace page.  
The 19 date European tour kicks off on the 4th December, and will see SHINING's Kvarforth play both with his own band, and with SKITLIV, who he recently joined as guitarist.