Anselmo’s Illegals in lineup change

Phil Anselmo has revealed his solo band Philip H Anselmo And The Illegals have replaced guitarist Marzi Montazeri with Mike DeLeon.

And the former Pantera frontman feels positive about the lineup change, which he believes is the best result for everybody concerned.

Montazeri appeared on the Illegals debut album Walk Through Exits Only, released in 2013.

Anselmo tells Metal Underground: “What I wanted to do with Marzi was jumpstart his career – which I did. He’s the type of guy that needs to be the focal point of anything he does.

“He’s got that now, and I’m happy for him. More power to him.”

DeLeon was recommended by Illegals drummer Jose Manual Gonzelez and Superjoint guitarist Steve Taylor.

Anselmo reports: “Steve was constantly saying, ‘DeLeon is the guy – he wants it the most.’ I trust them. I trust their judgement. So far, every time DeLeon has come to jam, it’s been serious grinding. He’s a pleasure to work with.”

The vocalist last week revealed he’d completed work on an EP with supergroup Scour, featuring members of Cattle Decapitation, Animosity, Strong Intention and Pig Destroyer.

Why Anselmo never tires of Pantera question

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.