After it was leaked by recently departed bassist Terry Butler, Six Feet Under have confirmed that Chimaira guitarist Rob Arnold has joined the band as their second rhythm guitarist. Arnold will reportedly appear with the band on their upcoming touring duties and has already started working on a new album with them.

Six Feet Under singer Chris Banes had the following to say about the band’s new addition:

“I couldn’t be happier about the new songs and lineup! Rob and myself have been collaborating on new songs along with the band’s new drummer, Kevin Talley [Daath, Misery Index, Chimaira], for the past few months.

We are all feeling really excited about the band’s future, and the raw intensity of the songs that we have created together so far. This is the heaviest most exciting material that I’ve worked on since The Bleeding [Cannibal Corpse's 1994 album], and I’m stoked that Rob will be helping out creating this CD with us! We’ve all known each other for a while and we’re really looking forward to continue writing the new CD and future tours. We are committed to taking Six Feet Under to the next level of brutality!”

Arnold had the following to add:

“It’s been an amazing honor and opportunity to have been called upon by one of my biggest idols, Chris Barnes!! Six Feet Under and the Barnes-era Cannibal stuff had enormous effects on me as a young musician, and still do to this day.

In 1996, I was a kid in the front row screaming my head off to “Lycanthropy” and “Torn to the Bone” … And now here I am, being asked to play the songs on stage with the band! Dreams do come true!!! And the stuff we’ve been writing absolutely RIPS! Watch out!!”

Earlier in the month, Six Feet Under replaced drummer Greg Gall with Daath/ex-Chimaira drummer Kevin Talley, while a replacement for bassist Terry Butler (who left to become a full time member of Obituary) has still not been announced. We’ll keep you posted when more is revealed.

[photo via]