It’s a sad day for psychobilly fans. Nekromantix drummer Andy DeMize and a passenger died last night in a horrible car crash in Fullerton, California.

According to the Orange County Register:

The vehicle was traveling southbound on the 57 freeway when the driver lost control, went over an embankment and hit a tree. The car burst into flames, igniting a grove of eucalyptus trees. The driver and another passenger either were ejected or fled the scene, officials said.

Firefighters responded to reports of a fire in eucalyptus trees at 4:40 a.m. and found the car with the two dead occupants at the base of the trees along a strawberry field.

The driver later called 911 from a nearby strawberry field seeking medical attention, according to CHP Sgt. Paul Pines, who was investigating the accident at the scene.

The band released this statement a few hours ago:

My thoughts and Condolences go out to his Family and Everybody that knew Andrew. There is no words to describe the shock…… Andrew was probably the most loveable guy I ever met and truely the only person I’ve met in my life that was loved and liked by everybody met. It’s just typical Andrew to pull off this “rockstar death” way too early. I have no idea how Newcastle Beer will be able to continue to stay in business and I encourage everybody that knew Andrew, was a fan of his work with his bands, to drink one, two or many Newcastles in his honor.

The Koffin Kats swept through the East Coast this past weekend and they brought the Goddamn Gallows and Psycho Charger with them. I’ll post a review from the Asbury Lanes show tonight, but in the mean time, click the photo above to see a full set of photos from the show.

Thee Merry Widows
“The Devil’s Outlaws”

The brides or rock & roll Frankenstein have returned with a record of mid-tempo psycho anthems that provide the perfect soundtrack to the latest zombie invasion.

While not as viciously heavy as some of their contemporaries, the gals that make up the Merry Widows approach their music with a laid back swagger that recalls goth lounge with a bit of swing. Singer Eva Von Slut eschews the sickly sweet vocals of most of today’s rockabilly female vocalist in exchange for a croon that would make Danzig proud.

In fact, “Devil’s Outlaws” could best be compared to The Misfits “Static Age”–a record of slower, punk classics, that are highlighted by trippy lyrics that you can actually understand and a solid groove that you can get behind. That said, this record also begs for a bit more rock. Songs like “My High Heels” and “The Bride” have that catchy feeling, but most of the tunes on here might be a little off-putting to fans of more traditional psycho fares.

Pick up “The Devil’s Outlaw” and you’re guaranteed to be enticed, go see these gals live to be blown away.