Chris Pennie leaves Coheed and Cambria

Accomplished and influential drummer Chris Pennie, founding member of Dillinger Escape Plan and current member of progressive rock acts Coheed and Cambria, and Return To Earth, announced today that he is exiting Coheed and Cambria.  Pennie and the band cited “creative differences” as the primary reasons for the split after the drummer’s 4-year tenure with the band.

Pennie officially joined Coheed in 2007, replacing drummer Josh Eppard and touring extensively with the band internationally.  He is featured on Coheed’s most recent studio album, Year of the Black Rainbow. 

Pennie will shift his full attention to his most recent projects, acclaimed progressive metal band Return to Earth (Metal Blade/Bald Freak) and Fight Mannequins.  Return To Earth is currently working on their third album after releasing their Metal Blade debut, Automata, in 2010. Fight Mannequins, Pennie’s music production company with Return To Earth guitarist Brett Aveni, recently completed their first documentary score and have produced two exciting artists whose albums will be released in 2012.

“I am very thankful for the times I shared the stage with the guys in Coheed and especially want to thank the amazing, supportive fans that I’ve met while on tour,” said Pennie.  “There are a lot of exciting projects on the horizon in addition to Return To Earth and Fight Mannequins that I feel require 100 percent of my commitment and attention. I feel that this is the right time to make that happen.”