Mark Duda announces Love Is Murder with Dennis Diken on drums

Mark Duda has announced his forthcoming album Love Is Murder, produced by Jimi Bones and featuring Dennis Diken and Kenny Aaronson. The project follows the death of original drummer Thommy Price and will add release details, artwork and pre-order information later.

Why it matters: - Love Is Murder marks a new chapter for Mark Duda after the death of Thommy Price, the drummer originally slated for the album. - The record also deepens Duda’s connection to New York rock, pairing him with players tied to Blondie, Joan Jett, Billy Idol and The Smithereens. - The album’s themes center on grief, loss, devotion, mortality and love, giving the project a clear emotional frame.

What happened: - Mark Duda announced his forthcoming album Love Is Murder. - Jimi Bones is producing the album and playing guitar on the project. - Dennis Diken has joined as the new drummer. - Kenny Aaronson is on bass. - Duda said the project required time to mourn Price before finding a replacement.

The details: - Bones also produced Duda’s first two solo albums, Month of Sundays and Bodega Flowers. - The Love Is Murder lineup is Mark Duda on vocals and guitar, Jimi Bones on guitar and production, Kenny Aaronson on bass, and Dennis Diken on drums. - Bones has performed with Blondie, Joan Jett and other major artists. - Aaronson has worked with Billy Idol, Joan Jett, Dust and others. - Diken is best known as the drummer for The Smithereens. - Diken joined after Price’s death. - Price had played on Duda’s first two solo albums and had also worked with Joan Jett and Billy Idol. - Diken and Aaronson tracked the rhythm section at Studio Mozart in New Jersey. - Multiple Grammy nominee Kostadin Kamcev handled the sessions. - The recordings ran through Kamcev’s rare Neve console, originally obtained from the Apollo Theater in New York City. - Duda said Price was a vital part of the sound and spirit of the earlier records. - Duda said Diken brings history, power and musicality to the project. - Duda’s music continues to reflect the downtown New York City scene where he built his career before returning to New Jersey.

Between the lines: - The lineup suggests Duda is aiming for a classic rock sound anchored by veteran players with deep New York and Jersey credentials. - The album’s emotional focus and the loss of Price appear to shape the record as both a tribute and a transition. - The use of Studio Mozart and the Apollo Theater Neve console signals a deliberate emphasis on analog heritage and studio pedigree.

What's next: - Duda said the release date, label, first single, album artwork and pre-order information will be announced later. - The album is still forthcoming, so more rollout details should follow before release. - More information is available through Duda’s social channels, including Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

The bottom line: - Love Is Murder is positioned as both a tribute to Thommy Price and a new statement from Mark Duda, built around seasoned players and a strong emotional core.