https://www.high-endrolex.com/18

Guitarist Adrian Zambrano Leaves Lo-Pan

Ohio heavy rockers Lo-Pan have announced the departure of guitarist Adrian Zambrano from their lineup. Zambrano joined the Columbus-based four-piece late in 2014 to fill the role initially occupied by Brian Fristoe, and accompanied the band on their inaugural European tour last year as well as US dates earlier in 2016 with Black Cobra, Bongzilla and Kings Destroy (review here).

His leaving is a genuine surprise. Lo-Pan have most if not all of a new album recorded as a follow-up to their fourth outing, 2014’s Colossus (review here), and Zambrano‘s departure, which the band notes is amicable, leaves it to question what’s to become of those songs and those recordings of them in particular. Of course, the bigger and more immediate issue is who’s going to take over that spot in the band — riffs aren’t exactly a small part of what they do — but the future is yet uncertain or at least unannounced for what would have been and may still be his studio debut with Lo-Pan, now also a swansong for this incarnation of their lineup.

Zambrano, who also plays in Brujas del Sol, excelled in the guitarist position while he had it. I was fortunate enough to see Lo-Pan with him twice and both times he added a presence and energy alongside drummer Jesse Bartz, bassist Scott Thompson and vocalist Jeff Martin that only added to the force of their stage delivery. Should probably go without saying, but good luck to him and good luck to the band in finding somebody to handle guitar. When and if I hear more about their next release, I’ll let you know.

Lo-Pan are currently slated to play Psycho Las Vegas in August. Here’s the statement from the band:

lo-pan

Our guitarist Adrian Zambrano has decided he needs to walk away from Lo-Pan at this time to focus on some other important parts of life. We would like to emphasize that this is an amicable split and we wish him all the best. We are currently on the hunt for a new guitarist and we hope to see you all again as soon as possible. Stay tuned for announcements and new music.

https://www.facebook.com/lopandemic/
http://lopandemic.com/

Lo-Pan, Live at Saint Vitus Bar, April 1, 2016

Tags: , , ,

4 Responses to “Guitarist Adrian Zambrano Leaves Lo-Pan”

  1. Jose Humberto says:

    Again guitarist quits? Oh My !!! this awesome band doesnt deserve this , Colosus was HUGE!!!! I wish prior guitar player rejoins

  2. Onyx says:

    That sucks – I was really looking forward to hearing studio versions of their new stuff since I can’t get enough of the live versions that are out there for Pathfinder and Dead End Road.

    I second the suggestion for Lee Gollin/Lee Stuart that someone posted on their Facebook page.

    I didn’t really get into A Thousand Knives of Fire but Halfway to Gone has always been one of my faves.

  3. NudeTayne says:

    Let these guys stay at my house a bunch of times and they stole money from me the last time. These guys are assholes.

  4. Robb says:

    NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Not again. Lo-pan Kicks major ass. Prayers for an excellent new shredder for your awesome tunes. Don’t go and break up now…..

Leave a Reply