MANTIC RITUAL Parts Ways With Singer/Guitarist, Announces Temporary Replacement

September 7, 2009

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based old-school metallers MANTIC RITUAL have parted ways with singer/guitarist and founding member Dan Wetmore.

Commented the band in a statement: "After much consideration, Dan has decided to no longer continue with MANTIC RITUAL. We are greatly appreciative of his tremendous contributions to the band and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

"For the upcoming tours this fall, our good friend Dave Watson will be filling in as singer/guitarist. We've known Dave for quite some time, and besides being a killer musician, he's an outstanding sound engineer as well (he mixed our 2007 self-released demo, 'Executioner'). We have no doubt that Dave will be a perfect fit for us these next few months, and that the band will continue delivering fist-pumping rock 'n' roll like it's 1955."

Added Dan Wetmore: "It has been hard for me to make this decision as I love Adam, Ben, and Jeff and the music we've made together. I've always been dedicated to the band and truly enjoyed playing and writing material. Still, I've had the desire to focus on photography for quite some time and I don't see myself spending life on the road. It is my personal choice to leave the band and return to school. Despite conflicting feelings, I know currently this is the best decision for me. The outcome is very hard to face, as I've enjoyed the past five years and progress we've made. I'm sure some might think I'm crazy or stupid, but I'll eat that. The guys are dedicated and I'm positive they'll do well with Dave taking my place. All the best to them, they're my pals."

All scheduled shows will take place as planned.

HardTimes.ca conducted an interview with MANTIC RITUAL (formerly MELTDOWN) on March 8, 2009 when the band made a stop in Montreal, Quebec, Canada during the "D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N. - 25 Years Of Total Destruction" North American tour with DESTRUCTION and KRISIUN. Watch the 22-minute chat below.

MANTIC RITUAL's debut album, "Executioner", was released in the U.S. on March 10 via Nuclear Blast Records (February 27 in Europe). The CD was recorded at Andy Classen's (LEGION OF THE DAMNED, DEW-SCENTED, NEAERA, BELPHEGOR, ASPHYX) Stage One Studio in Germany.

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