MACHINE HEAD are strongly rumored to have selected TECHNOCRACY/VIO-LENCE guitarist Phil Demmel as the temporary replacement for Ahrue Luster, who recently left the group due to "creative differences".

Demmel, a former bandmate of MACHINE HEAD frontman Robert Flynn during the classic VIO-LENCE days, will reportedly join Flynn, drummer Dave McClain and bassist Adam Duce on their upcoming European jaunt before the Bay Area act commence the songwriting process for their fifth full-length CD.

Although Phil is said to be a prime candidate to assist the group during the upcoming live performances, it is unlikely that he will become a permanent member of MACHINE HEAD, informed sources have told BLABBERMOUTH.NET.

MACHINE HEAD are not actively seeking a permanent replacement for Luster and will likely complete much of the pre-production for the forthcoming CD as a three-piece, the sources said.

The band's upcoming European schedule is as follows:

Jul. 01 - Dublin, IRE @ Ambassador
Jul. 05 - Rijssen, NETH @ Lucky
Jul. 06 – Dessel, BEL @ Graspop
Jul. 07 – Leipzig, GER @ With Full Force
Jul. 08 - Cervia, ITA @ Rock Planet
Jul. 09 - Zurich, SWI @ Limmathaus
Jul. 10 - Amsterdam, NETH @ Melk Weg
Jul. 12 – Helsinki, FIN @ Tuska Open Air
Jul. 13 - Joensuu, FIN @ Ilosaarirock

The official web site of Roadrunner Records has posted September 16th as the tentative release date for MACHINE HEAD's forthcoming live CD, entitled MACHINE HEAD: Live At Brixton, October 28th as the tentative release date for TYPE O NEGATIVE's long-awaited and as-yet-untitled new studio album, and July 29th as the tentative release date for the previously-unavailable, Ross Robinson-produced album from FEAR FACTORY, entitled Concrete, which was originally recorded back in 1991.