Canada's PROTEST THE HERO have announced that bassist Arif Mirabdolbaghi will sit out the rest of the band's tour cycle for the Volition album. They have issued the following statement:

"Arif has decided that the touring schedule we have signed up for to support Volition is more intense than what he is prepared to commit. He is actively involved with other projects at home and being a full-time band member isn't a practical thing.

Though he has, and will be, missed out on the road with his brothers, everything was left on a positive note and we are open to his involvement down the road and only time will see how it all plays out. In the meantime, our longtime friend and tourmate Cam McLellan will be filling in on bass duties for the rest of the cycle. As an amazing musician, co-writer and producer of 'Volition', he is more than capable to pick off where Riffy left off.

Don't fret, Cam's working on his giant happy smile and well-placed high kicks during our set!"

Protest The Hero beat out ANCIIENTS, GORGUTS, KEN MODE and THE FLATLINERS, the band's Volition album taking the award for "Metal / Hard Music Album Of The Year" at the 2014 JUNO Awards, which aired live on CTV from Winnipeg’s MTS Centre last night, Sunday, March 30th.

The band was appearing in Wilmington, NC as part of their second North American tour for Volition when they received the news.

Guitarist Tim Millar reacts to the news by saying, “We are very proud to be recognized by the Juno Awards for "Best Metal/Hard Music Album" of 2013. 2013 was a crazy year and without all the hard work of the people that made the record come to life, and all the people the contributed to the record before hearing a single note, this album would not have been possible. We are forever in your debt.”

Guitarist Luke Hoskin adds, "We are thrilled with our recent Juno win! We had incredible company in our category and it could have gone to anyone. We remain proud Canadians even though we are currently touring south of the border. Thanks for all the support!"

Canada's HEADSTONES were nominated for a JUNO Award for their comeback album, Love & Fury, in the category

Rock Album Of The Year", but left empty-handed, the award going to MATT MAYS, for his Coyote album.

To find out the winners in all categories, visit the JUNOS website here.