It's no secret that Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz went on to do some other music from The Acacia Strain, but who would be replacing him? Apparently it takes two people to fill those shoes.
The Acacia Strain announced that they'd be having Devin Shidaker (ex-Oceano) and Richard Gomez on guitar now in place of DL. I think that's cool? I'm not really sure what to feel right now. Last week, DL announced that he would be stepping down from the band officially. The band released this statement:
It is with excitement and zero negativity that Massachusetts' based, The Acacia Strain announce the addition of two new full time members, Devin Shidaker and Richard Gomez, both on guitar. After many years of service, Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz will no longer be writing music for The Acacia Strain and we wish him the best in all of his future endeavors.
As a band who tours, it is very unfair to have people who have stuck by us and tell them that they have no say or can't be an active participant. (Thank you for life Tony Diaz).
As a band, our perspective is for all of us to be involved and be a team, not only on the road but for every aspect of the band and all be a part of it. Richie and Devin bring experience and passion to the table and offer a forward thinking perspective to this band which has been wanted and needed for some time. We plan on getting started right away with the writing process to give you some new songs soon, and of course a new album. We are excited to start this new chapter of The Acacia Strain and look forward to seeing you all on tour!
It'll be cool to maybe get away from the chugginess that DL brought to the band with his playing and get back to more riff-oriented stuff, but I just hope the production doesn't suffer now. DL was a monster at making things sound amazing. Check them out on tour with Lamb of God and Decapitated to see what's up with the new guys!
