American heavy metal band MANTIC RITUAL’s founding singer DAN WETMORE has quit the group – to go back to school and study photography.
The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based musicians announced the departure of the singer/guitarist on Monday (07Sep09) – five years after Wetmore founded the band with fellow rockers Adam Haritan and Ben Mottsman.
Wetmore insists the split is amicable, and his bandmates support his career switch.
He says: “I’ve always been dedicated to the band and truly enjoyed playing and writing material. Still, I’ve had the desire to focus on photography for quite some time and I don’t see myself spending life on the road. It is my personal choice to leave the band and return to school. Despite conflicting feelings, I know currently, this is the best decision for me. The outcome is very hard to face, as I’ve enjoyed the past five years and progress we’ve made. I’m sure some might think I’m crazy or stupid, but I’ll eat that… All the best to them, they’re my pals.”
Dave Watson is set to fill in for the former frontman on the band’s upcoming tour this autumn (09).
All planned shows are scheduled to take place as planned