In a move that seems to have totally divided fans, The Acacia Strain have announced they have parted ways with their lead guitarist and principle song writer Daniel “DL” Laskiewicz. Testament to how vital of a role DL played in the band, the remaining remembers have hired two new full-time guitarists to fill the empty void.
DL and TAS had a pretty strange business set up as far as band relationships go for several years now. Rather than touring with the band, DL stays at home and writes, then records the music. It’s a bold move to sack one of the few consistent elements in the band but given that The Acacia Strain is a touring force, it makes sense to create a road-ready team.
In lieu of DL, the band have hired ex-Oceano lead guitarist Devin Shidaker as well as Richard Gomez. Shidaker only left Oceano a matter of weeks ago suggesting the new lineup had been carefully orchestrated.
Now that they’ve locked in some stable employees, the band have announced they will be heading straight to the studio to begin work on a new album, which will be their most recent since 2012’s Death Is Only Mortal.
In another move that has confused fans, the band have pulled the plug on their forthcoming tour throughout Europe later this year. Their current run of shows with Lame Of God continues unheeded.
Read the full statement from the band below:
“It is with excitement and zero negativity that Massachusetts’ based, The Acacia Strain announce the addition of two new full time members, Devin Shidaker and Richard Gomez, both on guitar. After many years of service, Daniel “DL” Laskiewicz will no longer be writing music for The Acacia Strain and we wish him the best in all of his future endeavors.
As a band who tours, it is very unfair to have people who have stuck by us and tell them that they have no say or can’t be an active participant. (Thank you for life Tony Diaz).
As a band, our perspective is for all of us to be involved and be a team, not only on the road but for every aspect of the band and all be a part of it. Richie and Devin bring experience and passion to the table and offer a forward thinking perspective to this band which has been wanted and needed for some time. We plan on getting started right away with the writing process to give you some new songs soon, and of course a new album. We are excited to start this new chapter of The Acacia Strain and look forward to seeing you all on tour!”
