Palisades vocalist Lou Miceli quits band

Louis "Lou" Miceli, vocalist of New Jersey post-hardcore rock band Palisades for the last decade, has announced his departure from the group. Bassist and co-vocalist Brandon Elgar will now handle lead vocals for Palisades going forward.

Miceli has issued the following explanation:

"Over the last two years during Covid-19, quarantine, and ultimately myself being hospitalized from Covid, I've taken the time to reflect and it's with a heavy heart I have to say that my chapter with Palisades has come to an end. Let me first say up front that we are all still friends and this was a hard decision for both myself and the guys to come to but we both felt that it was time we explored different paths and opportunities. I will forever have love for them and I know that they feel the same.

"The last 10 years with Palisades have been the best years of my life. Who would've thought that we would've went from practicing in Aaron's basement to playing sold out festivals and touring across the globe? It was like our baby that I helped created and watch grow with the rest of the guys. I was lucky enough to travel the world with my best friends and play music but more so than that, write lyrics that connected with all of you. I got to play shows where you could feel the emotion when we performed. I was fortunate enough to meet so many amazing people, some of which became the closest of friends and of course all of you incredible fans.

"As people get older they can begin to want different things. That's where I find myself at now. Music will absolutely always be apart of me. I've been recording some songs on my own and writing music for other artists to keep my creativity going. I'm also enjoying getting to explore the other artistic parts of myself that I was never fully able to focus on such as my clothing brand 'Head Case' and pursuing a career in graphic design.

"Above all I want to thank Matt, Aaron, Xavier, Brandon, their families as well as Rise Records, Matt Young and Brian Schechter for all of their love, friendship, brotherhood and support. I want to especially thank all of our fans. From the VFW halls and bars with two fans all the way to our festivals and newest listeners, you helped me grow as a person more than you could ever know. I love you all from the bottom of my heart and hope we can continue on a different journey together. Please continue to support Palisades and look towards their future music, it's gonna be amazing.

"On a final note, these past few years have been hard for everyone. I feel it's made us all look at our lives through a new lens. The first lyric I wrote for Palisades was 'I'm not dying today' and if that's not a fitting way to end this post and to give hope for the overall state of the world right now, I don't know what is. Love you all."