There's a major change afoot in hard rocking outfit The Contortionist as frontman Jonathan Carpenter has announced his exit from the group. The vocalist and his longtime girlfriend are expecting their first child and he made the decision to focus on his home life. The band, however, have moved quickly to continue their career, naming Last Chance to Reason's Mike Lessard as their temporary replacement.

At present, Lessard is just expected to stick around to help the band fulfill their touring responsibilities this spring, after which the group will start their search for a permanent replacement. The Contortionist just finished shows with Deftones. They're just getting ready to start another leg of shows with Within the Ruins and have more shows supporting After the Burial on the horizon.

Carpenter offered his statement on the matter, which can be read below:

It's going to be a jarring change of pace for my life, not being on the road most of the year. Making songs with the band and then performing them in front of the best fans has been a once in a lifetime experience. I wouldn't trade the perspective I've found in the past few years for anything. I got to meet so many amazing people and see a good chunk of the world. I absolutely intend to keep creating and playing music in the future, albeit in a more personal pursuit.

I will miss seeing everyone in the TC family very much. I wish the best to all of my band buds and everyone who supports live music and all this heavy banger music we've been making. I feel very excited for my future with the love of my life and our pups, and our little one on the way.

Music has always been one of my passions and that's what drew me to this band in the first place. The music comes first, and I know that the talent of the band will rise above this member change and they will find a new arrangement that will blow your minds. - Jonathan Carpenter

Carpenter's bandmate, Robby Baca, also offered his thoughts on the situation, explaining:

We are sad to see Jon go, but at the same time remain fully supportive of his decision. We look forward to the process of finding a new vocalist and writing a new record. - Robby Baca

And finally, Lessard clarified his position with the group in this statement:

I'm happy to be helping my friends in The Contortionist for the next few months on tour as a temporary vocalist. I'll be returning to my duties in Last Chance to Reason once these dates are finished in May. I look forward to seeing a bunch of new and familiar faces in the months to come, and to sharing new music from LCTR in the near future! - Mike Lessard

The Contortionist continue to tour in support of their 'Intrinsic' album. The disc dropped last July and gave the group their highest debut on the Billboard 200 Album Chart they've had so far.

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