Matt Sorum has praised Geezer Butler, calling his DEADLAND RITUAL bandmate "top of the list" of people he has played with.

The former GUNS N' ROSES drummer made his comments on Wednesday (July 17) while wishing the BLACK SABBATH legend a happy 70th birthday.

Sorum posted an Instagram photo of Butler and wrote in an accompanying message: "Happy Birthday @geezerbutler truly honored to share the stage with you. I've been blessed with musical counterparts but you are top of the list for me , Your bass playing is the foundation in which I get to live. It creates physical and mental emotion that As a drummer is a wonderful feeling that is sacred and very special . @deadlandritual #handofdoom #blacksabbath"

In addition to Sorum and Butler, DEADLAND RITUAL features in its ranks guitarist Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL, VINCE NEIL) and singer Franky Perez (APOCALYPTICA).

DEADLAND RITUAL's setlist consists of several original tracks alongside classic songs from the members' previous bands, including BLACK SABBATH's "Symptom Of The Universe", "Neon Knights" and "Sweet Leaf", VELVET REVOLVER's "Slither" and BILLY IDOL's "Rebel Yell".

DEADLAND RITUAL recently released its first two songs, "Down In Flames" and "Broken And Bruised". Both tracks, which were produced by Greg Fidelman (METALLICA, SLIPKNOT), were made available via Sonik Riot Records/AWAL powered by Kobalt.

DEADLAND RITUAL made its live debut on May 28 at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, California. The band has since completed a short European tour.