Coheed And Cambria Recruit Former Drummer Josh Eppard

Coheed and Cambria recently announced a mutual split with drummer Chris Pennie and wasted no time finding a replacement. Oddly enough, it's the drummer that Pennie replaced -- Josh Eppard.

Coheed and Cambria are getting the wheels rolling under their next album that will be recorded without two members featured on their previous outing 'Year of the Black Rainbow.' Earlier last year they wisely dropped troubled bassist Michael Todd, and just weeks ago let go drummer Chris Pennie due to creative differences.

The band announced that they are bringing back Pennie's predecessor, Josh Eppard, to man the drum kit. Eppard released a lengthy yet heartfelt statement regarding the reunion, which we heavily edited for brevity:

"Life is odd. I think its fair to say that Coheed and Cambria while often mysterious, has always had a meaningful and honest relationship with it's supporters. The last 5 years was both a humbling learning experience and a heart breaking journey into darkness and eventually the light. I honestly never thought I'd see the day I would be reunited with my bandmates and lifelong friends. I regretted not being a part of Coheed from the day they moved on. I can't believe I get a chance to play for the best fans in the world again. Not many people get a chance to put back together the things they broke long ago. It's good to be back. Welcome home indeed."

Coheed also released their very own lengthy statement (which we also abridged) about the personnel change, explaining why after the complications with Michael Todd's substance abuse problems -- they are willing to take a chance on their two-years sober former drummer:

"We understand there are risks involved bringing Josh back into the fray. Even with his two-years of sobriety, this is a giant leap of faith on our part. But at the end of the day, we have all grown up, and we have all been through so much, that playing with Josh again is sort of like coming home. It's comfortable, it's familiar, it just feels right… it's hand in glove."

The statement also revealed that the band has begun recording the next record with Michael Birnbaum and Chris Bittner -- who produced their first three albums -- and are three songs into the process. The band also exclaimed that they can't wait to share the new music and thanked fans for their "continued, unwavering support."