RED DRAGON CARTEL, the band led by former OZZY OSBOURNE and BADLANDS guitarist Jake E. Lee, has parted ways with singer Darren James Smith and has replaced him with Michael Beck.

Smith will shortly hit the road with the veteran Canadian rock outfit HAREM SCAREM, in which he plays drums and sings.

Michael Beck is the owner, engineer, and producer at SoundVision Recording Studio in Mesa, Arizona. He has worked with such acts as SOILWORK, MARILYN MANSON, ABIGAIL WILLIAMS, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER and DAATH.

Commented Smith: "It is true I left RED DRAGON CARTEL. [It's] kinda complicated, but I think it was the right thing to do. One day I'll comment more. For now, 'that's all, folks!!!'"