No one is questioning Crowbar in their career at this point. While many fans have favorite albums from early in their band’s career, the band has been consistent in their output. This announcement, however, should make old-school fans happy.

Announced last night ahead of their North American run with Carcass next month, Crowbar revealed that former original bass player Todd Strange has rejoined the band. Replacing Jeff Golden, Crowbar announced Strange’s return via posting a picture of him on Facebook with the caption “Welcome back my friend!!”  After being berated by fans and some mixed messages by the band, Crowbar finally gave some clarity in the comments:

“it gets to a point where it is aggravating with comments. We were very amicable with him being let go. But after reading so much shit it gets aggravating. He was let go let it be. He is a nice guy and yes his bass skills were not the best but we are not ragging him. Other people are starting this. Let it go!!! The statement of him gone is not a debate. It’s a fact.”

Crowbar also claim that they were going “old school” for the next release, so adding Strange to the band’s line-up, who was the most consistent member of the band aside from founding vocalist/guitarist Kirk Windstein, seems like a move in the right direction for the band’s vision. Strange was originally with the band on all releases until 2000’s Equilibrium and has since then been working as a machine repair tech.

Crowbar is scheduled to tour with Carcass, Ghoul, and Night Demon this July – August in North America. This will mark Strange’s first tour in 16 years.