Chiodos to reunite with Craig Owens

April 26, 2012

AltPress.com has received official confirmation that Davison, Michigan-based post-hardcore act Chiodos will be reuniting with original vocalist Craig Owens. No official word yet on the band's plans going forward, but we'll keep you posted on any developments. In the meantime, the band have released a new announcement video, which can be seen here.

Owens acrimoniously left Chiodos in Sept. 2009, with the band citing it as “necessary” in their statement at the time:

“To all of our friends, family, and fans: We would like to let you know that we have let Craig Owens go as the singer of Chiodos. This decision was a necessary one. Out of respect for all of the hard work that we have put in together for all of these years we will not be discussing the specific reasons that this needed to happen. We wish Craig well . We will absolutely be continuing on as a band and we will keep you informed as this next chapter unfolds. Chiodos fans are the best fans in the world and all we can ask of you, after everything you have already given us, is to share in our excitement for this next album. We promise you will not be disappointed…………Brad, Jason, Pat, and Matt”

Owens responded to the statement the following day, saying “thank you for all of your support. i'm going through a tough time & need some time to figure things out. your support means the world to me.” Chiodos recruited Brandon Bolmer (ex-Yesterdays Rising) as Owens' replacement, who recorded one album as the group's frontman (2010's Illuminaudio) before departing in March along with drummer Tanner Wayne. There's also no word yet on who will be replacing Wayne behind the kit.

Owens went on to form Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows in 2010. The band released their debut full-length D.R.U.G.S. in Feb. 2011 and co-headlined the AP Tour in spring of that year. The status of that band going forward is unclear–Altpress.com will keep you posted on any developments in that department as well.

This announcement brings up several questions:

Is the band returning full-time? Owens obviously has other interests outside of Chiodos, most notably Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows, as well as a solid solo career. Just how much activity can we expect from a reunited Chiodos? An extensive tour? Regional shows?
Who is in the band? Drummer Tanner Wayne left the band along with Bolmer last month, so while they've regained Owens they're still without someone to keep time. Who will be behind the kit if and when the band begin playing shows?
Will there be a new Chiodos record? This goes hand in hand with our first question–with Owens seemingly devoted to Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows, not to mention solo work and a burgeoning acting career, will he be able to find the time to record newe Chiodos tunes?
What about Owens' current band? Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows made a big splash in 2011, and have remained active in the year since, including American and European tours earlier this year. What will become of the band now that Owens has returned to Chiodos?
How will fans react? To many Chiodos fans, Owens was the heart and soul of the group. However, Bolmer had his supporters as well. Even with rampant lineup changes so prevalent in the scene today, are fans ambivalent or simply immune to all the turnover? Or will Owens return bring old-school Chiodos fans back into the fold?

Let us know what you think in the comments.

UPDATE 4:54 p.m. ET: Former Chiodos vocalist Brandon Bolmer weighed in on twitter:

For the record, I fully support @Chiodos and @CraigOwens on their journey.Nothing but love for all you guys.

— Brandon A. Bolmer (@BrandonABomb) April 26, 2012

UPDATE 5:02 p.m. ET: Equal Vision is reissuing the band's 2005 LP All's Well That Ends Well on purple vinyl. Check it out here.

UPDATE 6:00 p.m. ET: Some musicians/industry folk have been reacting the news of Owens' reunion with Chiodos. Check them out below.

Mod Sun:

Chiodos are some of my best friends, this is awesome.

— MOD SUN (@MODSUN) April 26, 2012

JD Dunlap, South By So What?! Festival:

Well @craigowens finally rejoined @chiodos 😉 This is as epic as when @austincarlile got back in @OMandM #HowThingsShouldBe

— JD Dunlap (@jddunlap) April 26, 2012

Jeffree Star: