Sparta updates: new album, guitarist, short film and label

Sparta have announced a new deal with Hollywood Records. The label will release the band's 3rd studio full length in the middle of this summer and is planning on making a short-film, to be packaged with their album.

"It's a big evolution for us. In the past we've been on a constant cycle of touring, quickly writing and recording a new record, then returning to the road. Now we're taking our time to write, rehearse and shape the new material. What's coming out is a sound with more layers and textures and songs with solid structure." ...
The movie will be based on drummer Hajjar's traumatic childhood, growing up with an ailing mother amidst a civil war in Beirut, Lebanon. The band will provide the film's score.

Also of note is the addition of Keeley Davis of Denali and Engine Down on guitars. He replaces Paul Hinojos who left the band in May of last year, and later joined the Mars Volta.

The band called off their touring last year to work on their followup to their 2004 release Porcelain.