Washington D.C. metallers DARKEST HOUR have issued the following update:

“It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the official departure of longtime friend and bassist, Paul Burnette. Paul’s presence on the stage, in the jam room, and everywhere in between will be missed. He has helped us to both conquer the world and develop the sound of the band. For that we’ll be eternally grateful.

“Although Paul will continue with the new powerhouse IRON REAGAN, his musical footprint will remain with us forever. We love you, dude!

“As many of you who have seen us live know, Aaron Deal (ex-SALOME mastermind) has been doing an amazing job filling in these past few tours. He’s rocked Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America with us and it’s safe to say, he’s a true bro. We couldn’t ask for a more badass addition to the dudes.”

Added Aaron: “As a longtime friend of all the dudes, I think playing with DARKEST HOUR is a natural fit. I’ve definitely had a blast playing all over the world with them and I can’t wait to take this party to the next level!”

DARKEST HOUR’s sixth album, “The Human Romance”, sold around 3,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 185 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD landed at position No. 3 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

DARKEST HOUR’s previous album, “The Eternal Return”, opened with 4,700 units back in July 2009 to enter the chart at No. 104.

“The Human Romance” was released in Europe on March 7 via Century Media Records. The CD was recorded at a North Carolina studio with producer (and SOILWORK guitarist) Peter Wichers.

Wichers previously helmed such acclaimed albums as ALL THAT REMAINS’ “The Fall of Ideals” and SOILWORK’s latest effort, “The Panic Broadcast”.

Source: www.blabbermouth.net