Guitarist Waclaw "Vogg" Kieltyka of Polish extreme metallers DECAPITATED has finally named a replacement for his late brother, Witold "Vitek" Kieltyka, whose 2007 death shocked and saddened the extreme metal community. An incedibly talented and promising youg drummer, Vitek was only 23 when he died in a Russian hospital on November 2, 2007 after suffering from the extensive injuries he sustained in a road collision involving the band's tour bus and a truck carrying wood in Gomel (on the Russia/Belarus border) earlier that year. The band's singer, Adrian "Covan "Kowanek, was also severely injured in the crash, and, according to a statement from his family, "is getting a little and slowly better. Adrian's family would like to thank fans and all the people for their support, donations, patience and faith."
In a new statement on the band's official Myspace, Vogg said, "It's time to introduce [the] dude who will continue the great way of Witek's passion in the band. His name is Kerim Lechner, a very young and very talented drummer from Austria."
Kerim "Krimh" Lechner, who also plays in Austrian death metallers Thorns of Ivy, will have a pretty damn big throne to fill behind the kit. While some may decry Vogg's decision to continue the band in light of such a tragedy, especially one that resulted in the loss of a founding member, it's important to remember that, after all, Vitek was his brother – I'm sure Vogg is the last person that would ever think of trying to "cash in" on his legacy. No amount of money can erase the pain of the loss of a friend or family member, and the way Vogg has handled the whole ordeal has been nothing but respectful and tactful. I'm curious to see what happens with the band after this, and hope that the metal community continues showing the same love and support for the band that we've already shown for our fallen brother. R.I.P. Vitek; welcome, Krimh.
– "Grim" Kim Kelly
