Tourniquet mainman Ted Kirkpatrick has issued an update saying the band is “not going away” and new material is written and is “very heavy”.

Kirkpatrick writes: “Hey everyone. Just a quick update on the present and future of Tourniquet. First, Tourniquet is not going away. I have more than a lifetime of music to give, and God willing, I plan to share it with whoever would like to hear it, just as I always have – under the name Tourniquet.

“The classical influence, the medical terminology, the allegories to nature, the beautiful and the ugly sounds, the fast and the slow, the ordinary and the unexpected, the triumphs and challenges to faith and hope – all these things you the fans have indicated you like about our music – will continue - and continue in new ways.

“The new material is very heavy (and sometimes beautiful), and full of melody and twists. Vocals will be with a new singer – not a collection of vocalists (although I love doing that, as you know by now – wait ‘til you hear the guys on the Sabbath tunes!) So – thank you all for hanging in there – onward to 2016 and beyond – and a very Happy New Year to you all!”

Tourniquet recently announced the departure of vocalist Luke Easter.

Kirkpatrick says, “Luke has been a valuable member of Tourniquet since 1993 and we have shared much music, ministry, and laughter. I will always appreciate his valuable contribution to our music and his representation of the band – and I know many of you will too. We’ve decided that our musical paths are not quite going in the same direction. Luke has been, and is - a great friend. I truly wish the best for him and look forward to seeing whatever his future holds.”

Easter comments, “In June, 1993, my life changed. I joined Tourniquet and began a musical journey that has lasted more than two decades. I got the opportunity to see the world; to meet and work with amazing people; to contribute to a body of work that I am proud of; and in the process I was able to share Christ with people all over the world. I am grateful to have been a part of Tourniquet, and to have had the chance to work with someone as talented and prolific as Ted for as long as I have.”

Kirkpatrick has assembled an all-star lineup to pay tribute to Black Sabbath as they get ready to embark on their final tour The End. Due out January 20th via Pathogenic Records, the tribute also features Dug Pinnick (King’s X) on all tracks.

The Doom In Us All - A Tribute To Black Sabbath tracklisting:

“War Pigs”
Chris Jericho (Fozzy) - vocals
Scotti Hill (Skid Row) - lead guitar

“Lord Of This World”
Trevor McNevan (Thousand Foot Krutch) - vocals
Bruce Franklin (Trouble) - lead guitar
 
“Into The Void”
Corey Glover (Living Colour) – vocals
 
“Electric Funeral”
Eric Wagner (The Skull) – vocals
 
“Children Of The Grave”
Tim “Ripper” Owens (Judas Priest, Iced Earth, Yngwie Malmsteen) - vocals
Karl Sanders (Nile) - lead guitar
 
For more details visit Tourniquet on Facebook.