New England area female fronted, punk/metal band MONGREL has announced Micah Maltais, who has been the band's bassist since Summer 2011, will be stepping down after this Saturday's show at The Chop Shop in Seabrook, NH in order to pursue non-music related endeavors. The bassist role will be covered by long time friend and veteran of the Massachusetts music scene, Michael Mariano, who the band knows well from his time as the guitarist in singer Jessica Sierra's prior band, AFFLICTION. Mariano has filled in on a few dates with Mongrel over the past month and will take over bass duties starting December 22nd at Charlee Bravos in Putnam CT where Mongrel will be sharing the stage with GREEN JELLY!

In regards to Micah's departure, Mongrel guitarist Adam Savage stated, "Micah was a great asset to the band and brought a great sense of humor and a ton of energy, enthusiasm and intensity to the band when he joined up with us. Unfortunately for us, other directions in life take presidence for him right now." Jess added, "On behalf of the band we wish the best to Micah in any and all paths he chooses to take and are saddened to see him go but we certainly support Micah's decisions. Respect and love for the time we shared on stage!"

Commenting on Mariano's coming in to the bass role Savage stated, "Mike's covered for us a few shows recently when some scheduling issues arose, and actually filled in with us a couple of years ago for one show. We've known him for years now and with him rejoining Jess (Sierra) on stage with us, it's a family reunion of sorts. It really was the most natural choice to carry on with him on bass while we determine the long term state of the bassist position."

Mongrel released their new full length album, Reclamation, through THC-Music in September.