It's Official: SOIL Recruits 'Fill-In' Singer, Drummer For Upcoming Shows

Guitarist Adam Zadel and bassist Tim King of Chicago heavy rockers SOIL have released the following update:

"I'm sure you are all wondering what is happening in the world of SOIL after all the rumors and statements that have been going around.

"Late last week we learned of A.J.'s [Cavalier, SOIL vocalist] intentions as he notified us of his 'indefinite hiatus.' Then we learned of Tom's [Schofield, SOIL drummer] intentions, as did all of you, via the Blabbermouth statement he issued a few days ago.

"We have decided that the show must and will go on. We refuse to let the fans, promoters, and radio stations down on such short notice.

"We decided to ask our friends Jordan Lee [vocals; ex-SILVERGUN] and Mike Tignino [drums] from CHAINWAX to fill in.

"Both Jordan and Mike are awesome musicians and have been longtime SOIL followers and to us it is an honor to have them join us for the already confirmed shows.

"We will take full advantage of this opportunity to perform some classic songs we haven't played in years and can promise you we will deliver a powerful and energetic show that will meet and surpass the standards we have always set for our live shows.

"You can either take a bad situation and make it worse, or you can rise above and make it a fun event that everyone can remember and walk away from having a good time. We plan on doing just that.

"So to the fans, come out to see some classics we haven't played in ages, Have a good time and enjoy yourself! After all, that is what rock and roll is all about!"

SOIL's next live performance is scheduled to take place on July 28 at Cabooze Outdoors in Minneapolis, Minnesota as the support act for BUCKCHERRY.

For a list of upcoming SOIL shows, visit the band's MySpace page.

Schofield told BLABBERMOUTH.NET on July 20 that Cavalier is on an "indefinite hiatus" from the band but has not officially quit the group. Schofield also revealed that he is "looking for new musical opportunities while A.J. is on hiatus."

Cavalier, who previously fronted the California-based band DIESEL MACHINE (also featuring ex-DAMAGEPLAN singer Patrick Lachman on guitar),joined SOIL in late 2004 as the replacement for Ryan McCombs (now in DROWNING POOL).

SOIL's latest album, "Picture Perfect", sold 1,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 56 on the Hard Music chart. The CD was released in the U.S. on October 20, 2009 via Bieler Bros. Records and three days later in Europe through AFM Records/Soulfood.

SOIL's previous album, "True Self", opened with 4,000 units back in May 2006 (via DRT Entertainment).

"Picture Perfect" was created by the production team of Grammy-nominated producer Johnny K (DISTURBED, STAIND),Ulrich Wild (DEFTONES, INCUBUS) and SOIL, with Dave Fortman (MUDVAYNE, EVANESCENCE) handling mixing duties.

SOIL in 2007 amicably parted ways with guitarist Shaun Glass (now in DIRGE WITHIN) due to "personal differences." The band decided against seeking a replacement guitarist and opted to remain a four-piece, with Cavalier filling in on some of the guitar duties.

Pictured below is the most recent lineup of SOIL, featuring singer A.J. Cavalier and drummer Tom Schofield.