In June 2000 Bobby Ingram became the sole owner of the trade and service mark "Molly Hatchet", acquired from Pat Armstrong, the band's early manager. Also in 2000, "Kingdom of XII" was recorded and released in Europe, and the band then toured Europe to promote the album. It was released in the United States in June 2001. After the recording of "Kingdom", guitarist Russ Maxwell came aboard after Bassett left the group to rejoin Foghat, then Shawn Beamer (from Southern Rock Rebellion) replaced Sean Shannon in the fall of 2001. Bassist Jerry Scott (formerly with Brian Howe's band) joined in early 2002 after McKinney departed.