California tech death band The Faceless have been hard at work on their as-yet untitled third album. Shortly after releasing a demo track of a new song, the band embarked on a full European tour alongside fellow Sumerian Records bands Born of Osiris and Veil of Maya.
But as soon as clips of the first show hit YouTube, fans all over the world started asking "hey, who's that on stage doing vocals? That's not Derek". And they're right. It isn't. However, the band's Facebook page still lists Derek "Demon Carcass" Rydquist as vocalist. But just look at the live videos. That's not the same guy at all.
Derek Rydquist had this to say in response to all the questions:
"
I don't think I'm prepared or of liberty to discuss my current involvement in The Faceless, but I think you're on to something here. I'm definitely not in Europe with them right now, but based on the video I just watched... the guy they have out there right now is doing an awesome job."
This isn't the first time Rydquist has left the band, though. Back in January of 2008, he left the band in order to pursue a college degree. By June he was back in the band, and shortly afterwards they released their sophomore album "Planetary Duality". Perhaps college wasn't for him. This time, however, he isn't going back to college, as far as anyone knows. He's actually playing bass in a Los Angeles doom metal band by the name of Bewilderbiest with members of Intronaut, Abysmal Dawn, and National Sunday Law.
The Faceless also recently replaced their former bassist with Evan Brewer, of Animosity fame.
The new vocalist, whose name is as of yet unknown, will have the chance to really prove his worth when the band release their third album in the autumn. In the meantime, you can catch him, the new bassist, and the rest of The Faceless on their European tour.
