So far we have seen various façades of the new line up of The Faceless, though currently it seems that all members are either from new bands or other sections of the lauded metal spectrum. However now there is some incredibly excellent news for both new fans and especially old. Keene has announced that the band’s final piece of the puzzle is the bassist who has previously played on the first Faceless record, Akeldama along with writing and performing on the next album the cult fan favourite that is Planetary Duality.

Brandon Giffin was the bassist that began the technical death metal journey with Keene, though due to other commitments the bassist may well not be playing live constantly though Keene has confirmed that the bassist will be on the new album. Perhaps the inclusion of the bands potentially most solid bassist might very well bring naysaying fans of Autotheism back. However I do hope that Keene continues the evolution of the band and doesn’t decide to return to the Planetary Duality days. This wouldn’t be a bad thing, I just personally think that it would stifle Keene’s clearly boundless creativity.

I am so extremely excited to announce Brandon Giffin on our new record. For those who don’t know, Brandon is the original bassist of The Faceless and played on Akeldama and Planetary Duality and then took some time off from touring, followed by touring as the sessions bassist for prog legends Cynic for several years. We formed the band together when we were in high school and I am so happy to be collaborating with him again. Brandon is like a brother to me and he’s like my musical soul mate. Brandon will be playing on the new record, which is tentatively titled “In Becoming A Ghost” and playing as many shows as possible with us. Due to life circumstances, he may not be able to always make every tour with us, but he is an official collaborator in The Faceless again and will be playing whatever shows he can with us. I couldn’t be happier about this. More exciting member announcements coming soon!-Michael Keene

A photo posted by thefacelessofficial (@thefacelessofficial) on Apr 11, 2015 at 9:41pm PDT

So to recap the members of The Faceless officially announced thus far :

• Michael Keene (The Faceless)
• Brandon Giffin (Ex-Faceless, Cynic)
• Justin McKinney (Inanimate Existence)

Having had Giffin tour with Cynic as well will surely do nothing but up the bassist’s game, I for one am definitely very much interested in what exactly the new Faceless record will sound like. Keene has also stated that the new album is tentatively titled In Becoming A Ghost, perhaps it might contain some of the struggles that seem to come with The Faceless, rather than the slightly nihilistic Autotheism.

Whatever happens we will be seeing a new Faceless record this year, its time to get excited!