Blessed By A Broken Heart singer quits band

Official press release: Glam-rock powerhouse Blessed By A Broken Heart have announced today that vocalist Tony Gambino will be leaving the band for personal reasons. Stepping up to the mic to replace him will be current guitarist Sam Ryder, who brings with him Gambino's full endorsement. Gambino has released a video statement explaining his decision, which is excerpted here: "This is one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. But I recently decided to leave the touring life so I can stay home with my family. With that said, I have some exciting news - I'm super stoked to announce that Sam Ryder is going to be stepping in as lead vocalist, and I couldn't be more honored to have anyone else take my spot. Sam is a world class musician and vocalist and I have nothing but confidence in him." Watch Tony Gambino's full statement. By filling the "vacant position" of singer from within, the international shred-metal group can ensure fans of a fluid, flawless transition into the next era of Blessed By A Broken Heart's music. Driving that point home is the release of a previously unheard track, "Out of Control" - featuring vocals from the newly promoted Sam Ryder - that illustrates in no uncertain terms his talent and capability as the band's new frontman. Listen to "Out of Control": "Tony is my best bud," adds the Essex, UK-based Ryder. "Duty is calling him right now and he's gotta do what he's gotta do, but the show must go on. We have some great fans and they should know that I ain't about to let anyone down! Come bang your heads and sing some rock n' roll. That's what this is all about, and believe me - we're just getting started." The launch of this new chapter comes on the heels of the band's third album, Feel The Power, which was released this January on Tooth and Nail Records. The lauded, high-octane, release is the follow-up to the band's celebrated 2008 album Pedal to the Metal (Century Media), and finds Blessed By A Broken Heart shrugging off past metalcore trappings in favor of something more heartfelt.