San Francisco’s premier metal hardcore band, BLESSING THE HOGS, have parted ways with bassist (longtime friend and founding member) Steve Pogatch.

Here’s a statement from the band:

“It is a sad day here at the BTH camp. Our long time friend and founding member - Steve Pogatch has decided to leave the band. Steve has decided to stop playing music as his heart no longer has the desire. All of us wish Steve the best of luck and appreciation for his hard work and loyalty.”

BLESSING THE HOGS is in search of a replacement immediately. The perfect candidate can expect to have appropriate equipment - a huge amount of energy and stage presence - practice 2 times a week, and available for US tours. Please check out www.myspace.com/blessingthehogs for audio examples of what you can expect to play. For more information and specifics please contact Matt at blessingthehogs@aol.com.

In the meantime the band’s new record, The Twelve Gauge Solution, will hit stores early/mid summer on Goodfellow Records. The record was recorded by the band’s very own Billy Anderson and mixed by Eric Rachel. Sean Ingram (COALESCE) will be appearing as a special guest vocalist on two cover tune trax, MELVINS’ “HogLeg” as well as a version of QUICKSAND’s “Fazer.” A video will be filmed prior to the release of the record to be viewed on Headbangers Ball and Uranium.