Rusty Cooley: outlword implosion attracts the dsg group

News:
20-03-2008:
Courtesy of blabbermouth

Singer Carlos Zema has left Texas prog metallers Outworld due to "different views concerning the bands music, as well as to pursue other interests in his career."

Commented Zema:

"I really think it's time to explain the reasons why I decided to not be a part of Outworld any longer. I had to leave my entire personal life, business, properties, and students behind in Brazil when I received the invitation to be a part of this awesome project. Because of that, I decided to move to the USA and start a new life from zero. My personal family issues contributed, but in reality were not the main reason I decided to leave the band.

"First of all, let me say that there were excellent musicians in this last line up: Rusty Cooley, Matt Smith, Shawn Kascak and Bobby Williamson! It was definitely a great honour for me to play with these guys!

"Now, for the reasons why I left… First: During this period of time together, the band was starting to head in two different stylistic directions, dividing us: Rusty, Shawn and Matt started wanting to write MESHUGGAH-sounding type of material. They wanted a second guitarist, different type of vocals, etc. Bobby and I started having a hard time fitting in vocal melodies and keyboard arrangements. So when Bobby left the band, I decided that my efforts and vocals would be worth more elsewhere."

"Second: At the beginning of this year we got an offer for a very opportunistic tour in South America, which was supposed to happen in the second half of 2008. But we we were in disagreement issues as far as costly fees being requested for this tour between the members of the band. This drove the band to the point that there was no way to make 'the first-ever tour of the band' happen. In other words, it wasn't possible to continue in this fashion.

"My priority now is to start working with a band, record a badass album, and go on tour soon with no overcharged fees and contradictions with the musical direction.

"A great opportunity knocked on my door when I met David Shankle (former MANOWAR guitarist). Now we are starting the writing process with his band, DAVID SHANKLE GROUP (DSG), and getting ready for a tour as soon as possible. Besides that, I'm jamming out already and working with my great friends from COLDERA, which includes former CELLADOR guitarist Bill Hudson, former INTO ETERNITY drummer Adam Sagan and up-and-coming Florida shredder John Slaughter. We spent the entire last week in Madison, WI rehearsing and working on pre-production.

"I have a lot going on in my life right now and I can guarantee you that I will see you on the road very soon!"

COLDERA is expected to release its first album in late 2008. Rusty Cooley has vowed to carry on with the group following the recent departures of keyboardist Bobby Williamson and singer Carlos Zema.

Commented Rusty:

"Matt [McKenna, drums], Shawn [Kascak, bass] and I will continue with a second guitarist — no more keys. We are going for a much heavier sound. We are also going for a different-style singer. We are not looking to replace Kelly [Carpenter, original vocalist] or Carlos — we are just looking for a bad-ass metal voice and that could be a lot of things."

Keyboardist Bobby Williamson issued the following update:

"Due to overwhelming and stressful tasks that I took on, rehearsal schedule problems, sleep deprivation and damage to my hearing (tinnitus), I have made the decision to leave Outworld. This was a hard decision to make, but I feel it’s best for me.

Rusty Cooley and I, the founding members of this band, began Outworld years ago with the vision of putting together an amazing metal band that could measure up with the quality of bands like SYMPHONY X, DREAM THEATER, etc., and I think we conquered that vision to a degree. However, things have changed for me, it became not fun any more and too hard to persevere with little positive return.

But I’m not done with music! And I look forward to writing music of my own... not sure which direction I will take yet as far as a project or a band.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of those devoted fans we have gathered over the years that truly believed in us. You helped us win the Famecast video competition, an amazing and glorious accomplishment that each of us will never forget. Cheers to you!

Carlos is leaving because of family issues back home."