Drummer Chris Pennie Parts Ways With Coheed And Cambria

After four years behind the kit for New York prog-rockers Coheed and Cambria, drummer Chris Pennie has decided to part ways with the band citing "creative differences" as the primary reasons for the split. Pennie officially joined Coheed in 2007, replacing drummer Josh Eppard and touring extensively with the band internationally.

He is featured on Coheed’s most recent studio album, 'Year of the Black Rainbow' and the 4 disc live album 'Neverender'. Prior to joining Coheed, Pennie was one of the founding members of New Jersey mathcore band The Dillinger Escape Plan and played on the albums 'Calculating Infinity', 'Miss Machine' and prior EP's.

Pennie will shift his full attention to his most recent projects, acclaimed progressive metal band Return to Earth and Fight Mannequins.  Return To Earth is currently working on their third album after releasing their Metal Blade debut, Automata, in 2010. Fight Mannequins, Pennie’s music production company with Return To Earth guitarist Brett Aveni, recently completed their first documentary score and have produced two exciting artists whose albums will be released in 2012.

"I am very thankful for the times I shared the stage with the guys in Coheed and especially want to thank the amazing, supportive fans that I've met while on tour,” said Pennie.  “There are a lot of exciting projects on the horizon in addition to Return To Earth and Fight Mannequins that I feel require 100 percent of my commitment and attention. I feel that this is the right time to make that happen."