PITCHSHIFTER To Disband Following U.K. Tour

Long-running British industrial metallers PITCHHIFTER have announced plans to disband following their upcoming U.K. tour.

"PITCHSHIFTER has always been a beautiful, crazy experiment," bassist Mark Clayden said in an official statement. "We knew that some day it would naturally run it's course and we always said we would call it a day at the right time. We never expected to have such a long run at this. So many people don't even get the chance to do half the things we've done. We've been lucky to be able to make our own music, our own way for 13 years. It's been an awesome ride. I would like to thank my family for standing by me and all the fans for treating us with so much respect over the years."

With regards to the reasons for the split, Mark said, "There is no falling out or clash of egos, that would be ridiculous. PITCHSHIFTER isn't one of those kind of bands. We've all been friends for years and will surely continue to be. We've simply all grown as musicians and also in our personal lives and it's just time for us all collectively to move onto our new projects. PITCHSHIFTER has run its natural course. We achieved so much more than we ever thought we would and I know I can speak for all of us when I say that I'm grateful and proud I was a part of PITCHSHIFTER."

When asked about the band's upcoming live album and tour, PITCHSHIFTER vocalist J.S. Clayden said, "People constantly tell us they love the energy of the band live and always ask us if we're ever going to release a live record. I am proud to say we're finally doing it. We will be releasing a live album on our own label, PSI Records, to coincide with the final March U.K. tour. Both the tour and the record are a 'thank you' to our fans. We didn't think it would be fair to call it a day without one last blast around home turf and a rocking live record. So we booked a 16-date tour and recorded a live album. I can't think of any better way to celebrate the music of PITCHSHIFTER. We've always been happiest on stage and a final record that captures that energy, along with one last tour, is a perfect goodbye salute to an amazing set of fans. PITCHSHIFTER has been my life for 13 years. I have travelled the world and had my brother at my side for that whole time. I feel very lucky to have made that journey. It has been a incredible ride. I won't lie, I can't promise that I will be able keep a dry eye at the last show at the Astoria, but I know it's gonna be a great tour and this is the right time for us to move onward and upward. I hope as many fans as possible can share the last tour and live record with us and wish us well in our new projects. I count myself lucky to have had such an awesome family behind me, a loyal group of band mates and an amazing set of fans for this whole time. Thanks so much to you all."

Longtime guitarist Jim Davies will sadly not be able to make the tour due to commitments with his current project. Guitar duties at the dates will be handled by DRAWBACKS axeman Dan Rayner, who originally hooked up with PITCHSHIFTER shortly before the recording of their last CD, "PSI".

"I've had a fantastic 5 years in the band and feel proud that I've played a part in three very cool albums," Davies said. "We all have new projects now, but sadly mine is the only schedule that clashes with the upcoming 'SHIFTER dates. The guys have been totally supportive and understanding about me not being able to make it and we're all still very close friends. I am fully behind the upcoming shifter live album, which features me on lead guitar and am very excited about its release. I'm proud to have been part of such an important band and will always remain a fan of PITCHSHIFTER. I can't imagine anyone better to take over on lead guitar for the tour than Dan Rayner. I actually introduced Dan to the band on rhythm guitar and it's fitting that I pass over the mantle to him on lead."

In conclusion, the band had the following to say: "We really want this tour to be a positive send-off. As ever, we're going to put our heart and soul into every last one of these shows. This band has been a long and eventful journey for all of us and we hope that this last tour can be a celebration of everything we experienced and achieved in our 13 years as PITCHSHIFTER. We're just a bunch of punks from a run down housing estate who decided to try and do something new in music, who'd have thought it would turn into such a voyage?! This final record and tour are for our fans. You've been so loyal and stood by us all this time. You have truly been the best fans any band could wish for and we would like to personally thank each one of you for all your support and love over the years. No band could ask for more. You have been truly awesome. We hope to see as many of your faces as possible at these upcoming shows. Peace – PITCHSHIFTER."