Aborted will hit the road with Cryptopsy, Benighted and Hideous Divinity this March, but you won't see guitarist Mendel bij de Leij with them. Mendel has announced he's leaving the group after his focus in life has shifted in the past year, and that he's still looking forward to following them as a fan.
Filling his spot on the coming tour will be Harrison Patuto (Vale of Pnath, Dissonance in Design).
"Man, where do I begin? I guess I'll cut right to the chase: After almost 7 years of what has been one of the best experiences of my life, we mutually have come to the agreement that this is the point where Aborted ends for me. After my father passed away last year my focus started to slowly shift on different levels whereas the others were dedicated and motivated to make Aborted dominate, and believe me: they will, and I'm extremely proud of them.
"I remember I started listening to Aborted back in 2004, becoming a fan boy and I'll never forget the moment Sven asked me to join 8 years later; truly a moment I still embrace to this day.
"Of course I will miss my brothers, I love them; I wouldn't be the person I am today without them. I couldn't have wished for any better group of idiots, not a chance! For now I will focus on my solo project 'Mendel', my job (being a mixing/mastering engineer) and other musical endeavors. And the following is a cliché perhaps, but truly: All the fans around the world and all those who've supported us, you guys fucking rule from the bottom of my heart.
"Now if you guys don't support my boys on their upcoming tour and future plans: I'll get Chuck Norris to roundhouse kick all of you."
Mendel bij de Leij played with Aborted from 2012 to 2019. Catch the band at one of the following dates.
03/21 Detroit, MI – The Sanctuary
03/22 Chicago, IL – Reggie’s
03/23 Kansas City, MO – The Riot Room
03/24 Denver, CO – Marquis Theatre
03/27 Portland, OR – Bossanova Ballroom
03/28 Oakland, CA – Metro Opera House
03/30 Los Angeles, CA – 1720
03/31 San Diego, CA – Brick by Brick
04/01 Mesa, AZ – Club Red
04/02 El Paso, TX – Rockhouse Bar & Grill
04/03 Austin, TX – Come And Take It Live!
04/04 Dallas, TX – Gas Monkey Bar & GrillNo Benighted:
04/08 Atlanta, GA – 529
04/09 Margate, FL – O’Malley’s
04/10 Orlando, FL – The Haven
04/13 Baltimore, MD – Metro Gallery
04/14 Providence, RI – Alchemy
04/15 Brooklyn, NY – Knitting Factory
04/16 Quebec City, QC – Salle Multi
04/17 Montreal, QC – L’Astral
04/18 Rouyn-Noranda, QC – Scène Évolu-Son
04/19 Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace
04/20 Indianapolis, IN – The Citadel