THE CROWN s novou deskou!

Reactivated Swedish death/thrash metallers THE CROWN will celebrate their 25th anniversary with the release of a new studio album, "Death Is Not Dead". The CD's cover artwork was created by Björn Gosses of Killustrations and can be seen below.

Says the band: "So, what's new in THE CROWN camp? Well, in just a few months we are celebrating our 25th anniversary in the name of death metal.

"Can you believe it? 25 years filled with blood, sweat and tears and one hell of a pile of good albums to be really proud of.

"But this celebration is not only to look back and be nostalgic. It's also to embrace the very bright future of this band. We feel great at the moment and we will make 2015 the best year so far.

"Do you wanna join the ride? Well, then don't hesitate to continue to read.

"We know that a lot of you folks out there have waited and waited for some new shit but guess what!? The wait is over.

"For the past two years, we have worked really hard writing and recording our new album, 'Death Is Not Dead', and it's finally ready to be unleashed upon mankind January 12, 2015.

"'Death Is Not Dead' is something that we're extremely proud of. We truly hope that you will dig it and give it the support that it needs and deserves. We have definitely done our best to produce a death metal classic.

"For those who can't wait for 2015, we will release our very first seven-inch single ever with the track 'Headhunter' on October 27, limited to 1000 copies. Pre-orders start on September 29. B side for this single will be our version of 'Unfit Earth', originally recorded by NAPALM DEATH."

"Death Is Not Dead" track listing:

01. Reign
02. Headhunter
03. Iblis Bane
04. Eternal (PARADISE LOST cover)
05. Struck By Lightning
06. Speed Kills (Full Moon Ahead)
07. Herd Of Swine
08. Horrid Ways
09. Ride To Ruin
10. Meduseld
11. Godeater

Bonus CD on limited digipack edition:

01. We Come In Peace (Piece by Piece)
02. Agent Orange (SODOM cover)

In other news, THE CROWN has parted ways with drummer Janne Saarenpää.

Says the band: "Janne Saarenpää decided to focus on other things for a time not specified. We truly respect his wishes and support him on his new adventures. Although there will always be an open spot for him in this band, so if he decides to come back he is more than welcome. So we wish him good luck for the future and would like to thank him for everything in the past. Our live situation will therefore look a bit different, but we have that covered already. More info on that when time comes."

THE CROWN last year announced the addition of guitarist Robin Sörqvist (IMPIOUS) to the group's ranks.

THE CROWN played its first concert with returning vocalist Johan Lindstrand on May 5, 2012 at Sticky Fingers in Gothenburg, Sweden. This marked the band's first appearance in Gothenburg in 12 years and was the group's only show in Sweden that year.

THE CROWN's last album, "Doomsday King", came out in September 2010 via Century Media Records. The CD was the group's first — and only — release to feature vocalist Jonas Stålhammar.