Rings of Saturn was recently dropped by Nuclear Blast after guitarist Lucas Mann began threatening the label by saying he'd make public statements "'condemning Nuclear Blast in the strongest terms possible' if the label does not give in to his baseless demands." Nuclear Blast did not take kindly to threats and dropped them.
Now Rings of Saturn has released a new statement saying they're parting ways with vocalist Ian Bearer and becoming a solely-instrumental band. Nowhere in the statement did Rings of Saturn comment on being dropped, or even acknowledge that it happened. The band also opens the door for Bearer to join them on tour, "but that decision remains ultimately up to him."
Read the frankly weird statement below.
"Rings of Saturn is transitioning towards a strictly instrumental direction which will open up many new doors in terms of musical creativity for the bands future. We are looking forward to exploring new territories of writing and expand on the band's overall sound in this way.
"Along with the recent instrumental album release versions of our past discography, every album since Dingir has traditionally included an instrumental track, so many fans will appreciate what’s coming next with a sense of familiarity. We would love to have Ian Bearer on any tours we currently have booked, but that decision remains ultimately up to him, and moving forward this also means that live shows will be done completely as an instrumental band.
"We would like to thank Ian Bearer for his years of hard work and commitment as the voice of the band during its most recent 10 years. On tour and in the studio, it has been an honor to create and perform music alongside such a great vocalist.
"We absolutely wish him the best in any endeavor he decides to pursue, and we hope that fans show him the same love and support as well."
