Thermacare

A few months ago, I found out on Absolutepunk.net of the departure of Craig Owens from post hardcore outfit, Chiodos. The news saddened me because Chiodos was one of my favorite band and Craig Owen was one of my favorite vocalists. I was fortunate enough to see the band live when they came down to Hawaii to perform at Pipeline Cafe (there is more to this story; will be told later). Besides Anthony Green, I never seen a more charasmatic and energetic singer in the music scene. The way he can switch off vocals from his melodic almost-falsetto-like voice to his harsh screaming. He is also very dynamic on stage and has a way to connect with his audience to the point where the crowd will carry him by his legs as he performs. I've witnessed that when they came down here and it was pretty amazing.

No news of a singer's departure from a band surprised more people since Anthony Green's departure from Saosin a few years ago. It was news that baffled everyone and for a longest time, people have wondered what went down with between Craig Owens and the band. But like anything that happens in our lives, whether it be good or bad, eventually people move on with their lives. Chiodos moved on by bringing in Brandon Bolmer formerly from Yesterday's Rising, to be the new lead vocalist (along with Tanner Wayne who replaced Derrick Frost a few months earlier) and Craig Owens is working on some new material with his new, soon-to-be named band. Things were starting to look up for both parties, but something that happened that prevented old wounds from healing.

A song entitled "Thermacare", which was a demo that Chiodos was working on before the departure of Craig Owens, was leaked into the internet a few weeks ago. The leak not only surprised both Owens and Chiodos, but also many other people as well. There was talk that Chiodos was in the process of recording a follow-up to Bone Palace Ballet, but many were surprised that the vocalist they were listening to on the track was Craig Owens and not Brandon Bolmer. It made people wonder if he really did leave the group or if this was some sort of cruel joke someone's playing. Both parties were disappointed, but no one was more disappointed about the leak than Craig Owens. According to the statement he made through Alternative Press, he stated that his intention was to have that demo rerecorded with his new band. The press conference also mentioned that there was an agreement made to split the song into two with Chiodos keeping the music while Craig Owens kept the melodies/lyrics. Unfortunately that did not go as planned and somehow the song was leaked.

Thermacare by Chiodos by Future Phonograph

I'm not sure what will become of "Thermacare", whether it be recorded for Chiodos or Craig Owen's new band, but whatever the case may be I understand the disappointment felt from both parties. When there is a breakup like this within a band, it's not easy for everyone especially when they all been together since the beginning. I may not know much about the departure of Craig Owens, but at this time I believe that both parties want to simply move from this incident and start fresh with their new ventures. In any case, I look forward to hearing Brandon Bolmer being the new frontman for Chiodos and to hear their new album. As for Craig Owens, I can't wait to see what he has up his sleeve. I know that with his talent and charisma, it's going to be excited to hear what he has in store in the near future.

Oh, and for the record I just want to say that "Thermacare" would have been one hell of a single if Craig Owens stayed with Chiodos...