German thrash legends SODOM have confirmed that their new drummer is Markus "Makka" Freiwald, who replaces Bobby Schottkowski after "after personal and private problems between with mainman Tom Angelripper," according to a band statement.

Freiwald played drums in German thrashers DESPAIR. After he left, Freiwald joined FLAMING ANGER. He is also known as drummer in VOODOOCULT.

Freiwald played percussion as a session musician on the MOONSPELL album Irreligious and is also featured on the 1996 album Triarchy Of The Lost Lovers by Greek legends ROTTING CHRIST.

A new band photo can be viewed below.