Animals As Leaders have parted ways with drummer Navene Koperweis. Speaking on his departure, Koperweis offered:

“Tosin and Javier (Reyes, guitar) are the two most generous, caring and understanding individuals I’ve ever met and I look forward to a lifetime of friendship with the both of them.

Over the past decade I have done nothing but music. Recording, writing, playing, practicing, touring and producing. It’s taken me beyond what I could have dreamt of as a kid when I started.

My new goals extend beyond the drum kit and I’m the type of person who will constantly chase new dreams. You’ll be seeing a lot more of me soon.”

Band guitarist Tosin Abasi had the following to say about the departure of his bandmate:

“I’ve shared some of my most memorable musical experiences to date with Navene and truly consider him a brother. I commend him for following his own path in life, even if that means i’ll no longer be sharing the stage with him. I feel blessed to have had the pleasure of working together and creating a lifelong friendship.”

Matt Garstka (ex- Gokh Bi System, Two Man Trio, etc.) has been tapped as his replacement for the interim. He will join the band on their impending European run which includes a UK leg alongside Meshuggah. An introduction video for Garstka can be found below: