After the recent departure of Goldrush from Virgin we now hear Aldershotians, nu-metal via grungers, Vex Red have left and are said to be "extremely happy to be out of such a clusterfuck of a situation".

They've already begun work on their second studio album with Ross Robinson and it's already pencilled for release in summer 2003 (we'd guess on Ross' own label!).

And if you wanna catch them live, they play an xmas show at the Marquee, Islington, London on December 15th.

DiScuss: Did they release their debut album too early? Can a british band ever take over the metal scene? What was your favourite gig of theirs this year?