According to mtv.com, Coheed and Cambria’s original drummer Josh Eppard and original bassist Mic Todd have left the band. The highly conceptual, progressive rock/metal band have replaced them with bassist Matt Williams (who played with frontman Claudio Sanchez years ago) and Dillinger Escape Plan drummer Chris Pennie (no confirmation on whether he’ll be a permanent bandmember).

This could be great news for Coheed and Cambria. I worked with the band back in late 2003/early 2004 when they were promoting their album In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 on MTV2 Rock. During the taping, Josh and Mic were probably the most immature people I had ever met. Like pre-teen brats, they couldn’t stop touching, licking and spitting on each other and the rest of the band. They also weren’t interested in listening to any direction from me (the producer) or our stage manager. So we chose to just let them go and look ridiculous. Claudio and guitarist Travis Stever weren’t entirely on board with their behavior, and it seemed like they were tolerating it (presumably not for the first or even 50th time).

I have no idea if Josh and Mic’s childlike shenanigans led to their departure from Coheed and Cambria, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there were personality conflicts. The band makes complex, ambitious music that’s had plenty of good moments, but has never been great for a whole album (in my opinion). I was always wondered if their rhythm section was a distraction that kept them from greatness. Time will tell.