Arch Enemy Split With Guitarist Jeff Loomis + Name Replacement

Sweden melodic dying metallers Arch Enemy and  longtime guitarist Jeff Loomis have gone their separate methods. The choice is claimed to be cordial, and In his place shall be  (ex-The Absence, ex-Sanctuary).

Yesterday (Dec. 30), the band posted the next announcement to their official website (and on social media): “Arch Enemy and lengthy working member Jeff Loomis have amicably parted methods.” From there, “founder and chief songwriter Michael Amott” feedback:

It’s been a pleasure having Jeff play with Arch Enemy for near a decade, we really had a blast touring around the globe collectively! We had been associates lengthy earlier than we performed music collectively and we stay even nearer buddies now, which feels nice. We respect that he’s in a spot and time in life the place he must step out of Arch Enemy and all of us want him nothing however the very best transferring ahead. The one fixed is change, and that is a type of moments the place issues needed to change a little bit to maneuver ahead in a passable means for everybody concerned.

With all that mentioned, we’re extraordinarily happy to announce that we have now recruited Joey Concepcion as our new guitarist! Joey’s an exceptional expertise and has been a buddy of the band for a very long time, he even stuffed in for Jeff on a few European competition reveals again in 2018. Now we have touring and a myriad of different thrilling issues arising on the horizon with Arch Enemy for 2024 and past and are thrilled to maneuver ahead, creating the subsequent chapter and protecting the Metallic flowing!

Arch Enemy’s web site additionally contains the next assertion from Loomis:

My time in Arch Enemy has come to an finish. I’ve had a good time (9 years!) of enjoying and touring with them, however now it’s time to enter a brand new chapter in my life. I want Alissa [White-Gluz, vocalist], Michael, Sharlee [D’Angelo, bassist] and Daniel [Erlandsson, drummer] the perfect and think about all of them lifelong associates.

I’d additionally prefer to thank the crew which have at all times been nothing however form to me. Their arduous work and dedication in the direction of the band is unbelievable, and we would not be capable of placed on the good reveals with out them. Thanks once more for all of your assist over time and Comfortable New Yr.

Lastly, Concepcion proclaims [via Arch Enemy’s website]: “It’s an honor and a privilege to be working with Arch Enemy and I’m very a lot wanting ahead to shredding levels throughout the globe collectively, enjoying for and assembly all of the followers!”

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Thus far, the band’s announcement has acquired principally supportive responses from followers on social media.

As an example, one Instagram fan cheered: “Wow @jeffloomis1 was wonderful,we all know @joeyconcepcionguitar could be very able to enjoying the songs.” Likewise, a follower on X (previously Twitter) confessed: “i dont know , im unhappy and comfortable , Jeff and Joey are each very good folks and nice musicians . Good luck to each of them !” Lastly, one Fb consumer wrote: “Good luck to Jeff in future initiatives and welcome to Joey , cant wait to see what yall have in retailer for 2024!”

As Amott famous, Concepcion stuffed in for Loomis throughout a number of European reveals in August of 2018, so it looks as if he was the logical selection to select up the six-string mantle. Along with becoming a member of The Absence and Sanctuary, Concepcion has labored with Dee Snider, Michael Vescera, Armageddon (which featured ex-Arch Enemy guitarist Christopher Amott) and Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed).

Earlier this yr, he launched his second solo LP – Divine Technical Machine – which adopted 2017’s Alignment. Equally, Arch Enemy’s newest studio album – Deceivers – arrived in August of 2022 and was included in Loudwire’s record of The 50 Greatest Rock + Metallic Albums of 2022.

So, how do you’re feeling about Concepcion changing Loomis? Tell us!