DIECAST: Argument Over BRENDAN FRASER's Acting Skills Leads To Drummer's Departure

Boston-based metallers DIECAST have been forced to drop off the U.S. tour with AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE, INDEX CASE and BLEED THE SKY following the apparent departure of drummer Jason Costa. The band have issued the following statement on the matter:

"To our fans and friends: We apologize for dropping off the AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE tour. AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE, INDEX CASE and BLEED THE SKY were the best tourmates that we could have asked for. The tour was going amazingly and our fans came out in force to support us. We even made the best of the only dud of a show in Cleveland by closing the bar. Together with the rest of our tourmates a few old friends and Matt and Kevin from CHIMAIRA, we nearly drank the place dry. The problem came the next day on a day off we had in Nashville. We (Kirk, Jeremy, Paul and Jon) aren't really sure what happened. It all started with an argument about Brendan Fraser's acting skills, (mature, huh?) and ended with a valued member of the DIECAST family (Jason) sneaking off onto a bus in the middle of the night without explanation or warning. Needless to say we are all devastated, saddened and disappointed. We always considered Jason to be one of the nicest guys in the band and obviously an amazing musician, phenomenal drummer and most importantly a friend. We aren't sure why he left, but when we know more we will make everyone privy to the information. The rest of us would like to apologize to our label, our manager, our agents, the rest of the bands on the tour and most importantly our fans."

DIECAST's latest album, "Tearing Down Your Blue Skies", continues to garner critical acclaim led by the strength of the hit singles "Medieval" and "Rise and Oppose", which remains in heavy rotation on both "Metal Asylum" and "Headbanger's Ball". The disc will officially be reissued early next year with a new track, a cover version of SLAYER's "Raining Blood", new artwork and video clips.