In Hearts Wake have officially welcomed Conor Ward into the band as their full time drummer. Ward, who has been a touring member with the band for their Skydancer album cycle, will play the final three shows of the year next week, before the band settles in to work on new material.
Skydancer was released in May 2015, just 12 months after the release of Earthwalker. The albums were recorded simultaneously and as a two part album series named Duality, with part two kept under wraps until moments just prior to its release. The vision and attention to detail of the rollout was lauded by fans and media alike, setting the band up for an intense worldwide touring schedule that saw them play 318 shows in 18 countries. They played huge festivals such as Download, Groovin The Moo, Graspop and Vans Warped Tour, and supported bands like Slipknot, The Ghost Inside and Parkway Drive. Meanwhile, their own headline numbers continued to rise, including a completely sold out Australian Tour and the incredible Equinox collaboration tour with Northlane.
Throughout the cycle, the band relied on Conor Ward as the fill in member who joined the band on the fly after the sudden departure of founding drummer Caleb Burton. Ward has been an integral part of their worldwide success, and will now become a full time member of In Hearts Wake alongside vocalists Jake Taylor and Kyle Erich, and guitarists Ben Nairne and Eaven Dall. Ward has also worked on the band’s new material, which has been in the works since they finished Warped Tour in August.
Frontman Jake Taylor can’t wait for the future ahead with Conor Ward, “we are over the moon to announce Conor as the fifth pillar of In Hearts Wake. Aside from being a total legend, Conor’s skills on the kit are incredibly intricate, solid and hard hitting. Next year is going to be a big one!”
“I’m very excited to finally be an official part of the band,” says Conor Ward. “The last 18 months have been a blur of experiences far exceeding my wildest expectations on what is possible playing music alongside four guys I now consider family, and it’s only just the begining.”
Meanwhile, In Hearts Wake have added local supports to their final three shows, the Duality dates. The dates will hit Coffs Harbour, Sunshine Coast and end at the Great Northern Hotel in the band’s hometown of Byron Bay. Local supports listed below.
In Hearts Wake
Final shows on the Duality album cycle
with special guests COLUMBUS & THE BRAVE
Thursday 15 December – The Coffs Hotel, Coffs Harbour (18+)
with The Heartless. Tickets available from OzTix
Friday 16 December – Wharf Tavern, Sunshine Coast (18+)
With Endless. Tickets available from OzTix and Moshtix
Saturday 17 December – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay (18+)
Tickets available from OzTix and MoshtixTickets on sale now