Chelsea Grin have parted ways with vocalist Alex Koehler and guitarist Jacob Harmond. The former has been dealing with alcohol abuse issues, while the latter is leaving to be with his family. The band issued the following statement detailing the situation:
“Shit-talkers, rejoice! There is a lot of news to be shared from the CG camp, much of it bittersweet. For some time now, our band has wandered through what felt like hell and back. Medical conditions, personal pressures, tour conflicts and more. It is not in our nature to let this get the best of us, so we always have and will carry on headstrong and determined.
Alex Koehler has opted to part ways with the band following his recent time spent in rehab and the life changes he’s made in newly found sobriety. We are all at a mutual understanding that the nomadic and trying nature of touring is much too volatile of an environment for a recovering alcoholic.
He has made huge strides forward in shaping a new and positive lifestyle, and we will always do our part to support our friend and brother. We are still very close, of course, and it goes without saying that we wish him all the strength and willpower needed to continue his inspiring progress. We ask that all of you respectfully do the same for Alex.
Furthermore, last year Jacob Harmond parted ways with the band; you may have noticed via social media or on our most recent Never Say Die Tour. Jacob recently had his second of two children, and has found his passion redirected toward family and personal goals. Again, his parting was carried out entirely amicably and with absolutely no hard feelings. As with Alex, we will forever support Jacob and his family, and will always remain close friends.
Surely this all comes as heavy news to our supporters and long time fans, but we want to confidently reassure that Chelsea Grin remains strong. During the recording process, we were faced with the challenge of pushing past obstacles to finish creating an album we were already so emotionally invested in.
We had to weigh all options realistically, but abandoning our passion was never one. Our good friend and ally, Tom Barber, has stepped up to the plate to help us achieve a sound we had never imagined. His talent and drive allowed us a renewed energy, making the choice clear. Please provide Tom a warm welcome into the band, and saddle up for a darker, more aggressive sound than you’ve heard from us yet.
At this point, we are done cycling faces through the band for both your sakes and ours; we will be carrying on live as a four piece. After finding our strongest sound yet, we want to avoid confusion and a shift from the current creative focus, in addition to adding yet another face to a seemingly ever-changing lineup. We will absolutely be delivering the same crushing performance and presence as always.
All of that being said, we present to you ‘Dead Rose’, the first single off of our upcoming album, Eternal Nightmare. Welcome to a new era of Chelsea Grin.
Catch us all summer long on Warped Tour at the Monster Mutant Red Dawn Stage performing both new and old material. We assure you that you won’t want to miss it.”
While the band will not be replacing Harmon, Alex’s position has been filled in by ex-Lorna Shore vocalist Tom Barber. The band have released a music video for a new song titled “Dead Rose”, their first with Barber at the helm, listen below. The song will be appearing on the group’s forthcoming effort Eternal Nightmare, which is due this summer via Rise Records. The track is available as a digital single via iTunes. Additional details on the record to come.
