Rings of Saturn Split With Vocalist, Will Be an Instrumental Band Now

More big shake-ups continue in the Rings of Saturn galaxy.

The band was recently dropped by Nuclear Blast Records for allegedly making “threats” and “baseless demands.”

Now they’ve announced that they’re parting ways with vocalist Ian Bearer, who joined the group in 2012. More interesting still: they have no plans to replace him. They’re gonna become an instrumental band instead.

Here’s their statement:

“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.”

No word on when the band will release their next album, or through what label.