Indiana progressive metallers The Contortionist have parted ways with singer Jonathan Carpenter and have temporarily replaced him with Mike Lessard of Last Chance To Reason.

Jonathan, who is expecting his first child with his longtime girlfriend, says in a statement: "It's going to be a jarring change of pace for my life, not being on the road most of the year.

"Making songs with the band and then performing them in front of the best fans has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I wouldn't trade the perspective I've found in the past few years for anything. I got to meet so many amazing people and see a good chunk of the world. I absolutely intend to keep creating and playing music in the future, albeit in a more personal pursuit."

"I will miss seeing everyone in the The Contortionist family very much.

"I wish the best to all of my band buds and everyone who supports live music and all this heavy banger music we've been making.

"I feel very excited for my future with the love of my life and our pups, and our little one on the way.

"Music has always been one of my passions and that's what drew me to this band in the first place. The music comes first, and I know that the talent of the band will rise above this member change and they will find a new arrangement that will blow your minds."

Added Lessard: "I'm happy to be helping my friends in The Contortionist for the next few months on tour as a temporary vocalist. I'll be returning to my duties in Last Chance To Reason once these dates are finished in May. I look forward to seeing a bunch of new and familiar faces in the months to come, and to sharing new music from Last Chance To Reason in the near future!"

The Contortionist's latest album, "Intrinsic", sold 3,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 125 on The Billboard 200 chart. Released on July 17, 2012 via eOne/Good Fight Music, the Cd was produced and recorded by Eyal Levi (Daath, Job For A Cowboy) and Jason Suecof (Trivium, Devildriver) at Audiohammer Studios in Sanford, Florida.