In an announcement today, Unearth have announced they have parted ways with drummer Derek Kerswill. The band stated creative differences as the reasoning behind the split, saying they fell it's mutual and there are no hard feelings on either side. This is the third drummer Unearth have gone through, as Kerswill replaced Mike Justian in 2007, who himself replaced original drummer Mike Rudberg in 2002. Unearth have Spinal Tap type luck with their drummers. This shouldn't derail the band as they plan to have a replacement in time for their European tour, in addition to entering the studio in early 2011 to record a new record. Here is the full statement from the band:
"After three-plus years of touring the world together and playing on our latest album, 'The March', we have parted ways with drummer Derek Kerswill. The most notable reason for the split are the creative differences.
"The time has come for UNEARTH to write a new album and creating music with a tight unit is the only way we can assure the best collection of songs possible.
"The differences between Kerswill and the band started off as subtle, but became increasingly obvious over the past few months and it was time for both parties to go their separate ways.
"We have shared a ton of great experiences and achieved many of the goals we set for ourselves in the time he was in the band. There is no ill will from either side of this decision and we wish him only the best moving forward… UNEARTH won't skip a beat, though, as we will be announcing a replacement drummer for our upcoming European stint on the Persistence Tour shortly.
"Lastly some exciting plans are coming together for the recording to the follow-up to 'The March', sometime early in 2011."
Kerswill stated about his departure from UNEARTH: "Creative differences are real and unfortunately have gotten the best of me. I wish the guys luck in the future and thank you to everyone who ever loved and supported 'The March'."
For Unearth's Europrean dates, visit their MySpace page.
