Pelican Guitarist Takes 'Indefinite Hiatus': Laurent Schroeder-Lebec Focusing on 'Family and Career'

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In a move that likely won't surprise their hardcore fans, Pelican have announced the "indefinite hiatus" of Laurent Schroeder-Lebec, Metal Insider reports. The founding guitarist hasn't toured with the Chicago post-rock outfit since 2010, and having decided to focus on his family and career, he recently told his bandmates his "heart wasn't fully in" making new music, according to an official statement.

"Laurent is our friend and our brother -- while his decision is disheartening, we completely respect it," the band wrote on its website, adding that Dallas Thomas -- Schroeder-Lebec's replacement on recent out-of-town treks -- will take over as a full-time member.

While it seems Thomas won't participate in the songwriting -- the band doesn't want to "alter the DNA on the compositional front" -- the remaining members of Pelican remain "very excited with the path" they're on.

What's more, they still consider themselves a foursome and Schroeder-Lebec a key member.

"Laurent is an integral part of this band whether or not he is standing on stage or composing with us," the statement concludes. "His unique musical voice and confidence of purpose have impacted us all and is present in every show and note we play. Our best wishes are with him in everything he does."

Listen to Pelican's "Lathe Biosas"