Adelaide heavy metal crew Far West Battlefront have formally recruited a new vocalist into its ranks.
The band has been on the lookout for a new vocalist since Adam Atkins decided to bow out in July last year, formally departing at the end of 2013 with his last set at the Vans Warped Tour.
In October, the band posted an instrumental track to YouTube and asked people to record their own lyrics over the top to audition.
"After having two members quit the band this year the rest of us are faced with one of the toughest decisions of our lives: retire the band, or push on wounded and fight the good fight. To sink or swim," the band wrote under the video.
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"... But, after a few schnitzels and much deliberation we have decided to push forward with the band and search for a new singer. Our love for this is too much to let it all go, and we'd have nothing else better to do each afternoon after work anyway... except maybe burn game!"
All the tapes are in and they've scuttled to Victoria for a sneaky test trip. The verdict: Kieran Wright (to be known as "Ron") will be taking the place behind the mic.
In a statement published to the band's Facebook page, Far West Battlefront said:
"First and foremost we would like to thank anyone who auditioned for the role and took the time to record his or her interpretation of the song. It was truly humbling to hear not only national participants but receive takes from those based internationally also.
This is not a decision we rushed or took lightly and spent many months going through auditions and jamming with those candidates we thought suitable. After the completion of our recent Victorian tour it became apparent that Kieran is not only the right guy for the job vocally, but he also gels perfectly with the rest of us and is on the same wavelength with the new material."
The full comment can be read here: https://www.facebook.com/FarWestBattlefront/photos/a.225095575376.268926.34485305376/10154217602675377/?type=1&theater
FWB has just finished a short regional tour of Victoria but are renowned for their hectic schedule so will no doubt be back on the road soon.