Tag Archives: band lineup changes

Features, PiercingMetal Says

Singer Alissa White-Gluz Announces Departure from Arch Enemy

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The Statement:
After 12 years in Arch Enemy, we have parted ways. I am forever thankful to the thousands of amazing fans I have met along the way. Thank you, Beastlings! I can’t wait to share what I have been working on with you all (with some big surprises in store).Stay tuned for big news in 2026 and see you very soon.

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PiercingMetal Thoughts: Editorial thoughts are forthcoming.

Official: https://archenemy.net/en/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlissaWhiteGluzFans

Features, PiercingMetal Says

Keyboardist Zoe Marie Federoff-Smerda Announces Departure from Cradle Of Filth

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The Statement:
It is with deep regret I share that for personal reasons I am unable to continue this tour and continue in general with Cradle of Filth. Please respect my privacy and my family’s privacy. I will answer no further questions. Be kind to my successor. I wish her and my now former bandmates well. At least, like Roy Khan said over a decade ago, God was there after all. Yours, Zoe

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PiercingMetal Thoughts: While I’m not going to dig deep into the reasons for ZMFS announcing her exit from Cradle Of Filth, I can say that I don’t think the conventional fans out there know how demanding such a life can be. Having not witnessed Cradle of Filth in concert for a few years, I never got to see Zoe on the keyboards and handling backing vocals and having seen videos in the recent months can say that I am a fan. From my side of the fence I wish her the best and am sure that I will be documenting whatever adventures in music that she finds herself up to the next time. What do you folks out there in the readership think about this? Chime in down below in the comments section. See you next time.

Official: https://www.zoefederoff.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zoemarieofficial
Official: https://www.cradleoffilth.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cradleoffilth

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Dream Theater Announces Return of Drummer Mike Portnoy

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The Press Release:
GRAMMY®-winning, progressive music titans Dream Theater are announcing the return of drummer Mike Portnoy to the group. Portnoy will reunite with guitarist John Petrucci and bassist John Myung – the trio formed the band at the Berklee College Of Music in 1985 – along with longtime members, vocalist James LaBrie and keyboardist Jordan Rudess. Dream Theater will be going into the studio to begin working on their 16th studio album and the first with Portnoy since 2009’s Black Clouds & Silver Linings.

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“I understand Dream Theater’s decision to get Mike Portnoy back at this time,” states Mike Mangini. “As was said from Day 1, my place was not to fill all the roles that Mike held in the band. I was to play the drums in order to help the band carry on. My main role of keeping our live show working tightly on a nightly basis was an intense and rewarding experience. Thankfully, I got to experience playing music with these iconic musicians, as well as some fun times laced with humor. I also really enjoyed spending lots of time with the crew. And then there’s the GRAMMY® win, which was amazingly satisfying. To the fans: thank you so much for being amazing to me. I cherish the pictures I have of you all losing your minds and having fun. Finally, I really love the band, crew and management and wish them and the entire organization all the best.”
Continue reading Dream Theater Announces Return of Drummer Mike Portnoy →

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Ghost’s Cardinal Copia Appointed To Papa Emeritus IV

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The Scoop:
We wish to inform you. Last night’s only Ghost show for 2020 in Mexico proved to be one that the fans in attendance will never ever forget. Not only was it an astounding display of music for the final night of touring for the “Prequelle” album, but they also witnessed the appointment of Cardinal Copia to be the bands newest Papa as Emeritus IV made his debut appearance. Please enjoy this fan filmed video of the happening and I will follow with more by me after the clip.

PiercingMetal Thoughts: There is a lot to absorb here from the clip and I was so glad that this fan was not only close to the action but also had a decent charge on their mobile device. Now according to what I’ve read online about this show, just before this clip begins his Unholiness Papa Nihil aka Papa Emeritus 0 fell down and died onstage just after his saxophone solo. As many diehard fans know, Nihil was the sire of all three of the previous Papas and with his passing the bloodline ends. We then see the Cardinal Copia surrounded by the Sisters Of Sin who adorn him in the proper garments of his station and appointment to Papa Emeritus IV. Once revealed he takes to the microphone and continues the legend for the masses. This show in Mexico City was to be the only show for the band for the 2020 year so they will likely be working on some new music and presenting some sort of EP in the not too distant future. Over the years they’ve finished an album and then toured and then released an EP of covers. As more develops on this story, I’ll be sure to share it with you since the band is officially a phenomenon now. Historically speaking I’ve been following Ghost since the first album but never managed to see them play with Papa 1 or the Cardinal. Stay tuned, and congratulations to Papa Emeritus IV. We all look forward to serving you.

Official Website: http://www.ghost-official.com

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Guitarist John Frusciante Rejoins Red Hot Chili Peppers

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The Statement:
The Red Hot Chili Peppers announce that we are parting ways with our guitarist of the past ten years, Josh Klinghoffer. Josh is a beautful musician who we respect and love. We are deeply grateful for our time with him, and the countless gifts he shared with us.

We also announce, with great excitement and full hearts, that John Frusciante is rejoining our group.

Thank you.

red hot chili peppers band photo

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PiercingMetal Thoughts: Well isn’t this some interesting news to absorb on a Monday morning my friends. Truth be told, I haven’t actually followed the path of the RHCP in quite a few years but I do have a number of their staple releases in my music library. One of my closest friends turned me onto their “Freaky Styley” and “Uplift Mofo Party Plan” albums after I had already gotten into the “Blood Sugar Sex Magik” one and while I loved all of that stuff, I got into a much heavier style not long afterwards. Despite seeing over 1000 or so bands in my life, I have never caught the RHCP once and that surprises me since a lot of my friends still enjoy everything about them and go to see them perform whenever they can. Perhaps this next go round with the returning John F. will be the year I finally address this oversight and as I close this notice up I wonder what you readers think about the news. Let me know what you think down in the comments section below.

Official Website: http://www.redhotchilipeppers.com