(NEW YORK, NY) – THE CONTORTIONIST have announced the departure of their frontman Jonathan Carpenter today with his interim replacement in one fell swoop. Jonathan and his long-time girlfriend will be expecting their first child and Carpenter has made the decision to focus on his personal life. Mike Lessard of LAST CHANCE TO REASON will be taking on vocal duties while the band finds a permanent replacement.
Statements from each of the parties can be found below.
“It’s going to be a jarring change of pace for my life, not being on the road most of the year. Making songs with the band and then performing them in front of the best fans has been a once in a lifetime experience. I wouldn’t trade the perspective I’ve found in the past few years for anything. I got to meet so many amazing people and see a good chunk of the world. I absolutely intend to keep creating and playing music in the future, albeit in a more personal pursuit.”
“I will miss seeing everyone in the TC family very much. I wish the best to all of my band buds and everyone who supports live music and all this heavy banger music we’ve been making. I feel very excited for my future with the love of my life and our pups, and our little one on the way.”
“Music has always been one of my passions and that’s what drew me to this band in the first place. The music comes first, and I know that the talent of the band will rise above this member change and they will find a new arrangement that will blow your minds.” – Jonathan Carpenter
“We are sad to see Jon go, but at the same time remain fully supportive of his decision. We look forward to the process of finding a new vocalist and writing a new record.” – Robby Baca
“I’m happy to be helping my friends in The Contortionist for the next few months on tour as a temporary vocalist. I’ll be returning to my duties in Last Chance to Reason once these dates are finished in May. I look forward to seeing a bunch of new and familiar faces in the months to come, and to sharing new music from LCTR in the near future!” – Mike Lessard
THE CONTORTIONIST released “Intrinsic“ earlier this year to much critical acclaim. Landing at number #107 on the Billboard Top 200, #15 on the Hard Music Chart and #3 on the New Artist Chart, it was the most successful first week the band has had to date. It’s also on sale now for $6.66 here!
The band recently finished a batch of successful dates with DEFTONES and will be appearing at this year’s NEW ENGLAND METAL & HARDCORE FESTIVAL next month. They’re hitting the road with label-mates, WITHIN THE RUINS next week and will be supporting AFTER THE BURIAL in the coming months.
“The band’s ability to balance chaos and solemnity have never been better. Breaking from soft, ethereal passages into grueling, mosh-ready grooves at the drop of a hat.” – Altpress.com
“The Contortionist are, without a doubt, one of the most exciting young prog-metal bands on the scene today.” – MetalSucks
THE CONTORTIONIST is: Robby Baca (Guitar), Joey Baca (Percussion), Cameron Maynard (Guitar), Christopher Tilley (Bass Guitar).