Kyle Baltus

Alaskan metallers 36 CRAZYFISTS have announced the addition of drummer Kyle Baltus to the group’s ranks. In addition, the band has been rejoined by bassist Mick Whitney following the recent departure of Brett “Buzzard” Makowski.

Commented 36 CRAZYFISTS: “We have known Kyle for many years and are very excited to have him join the band. He is an absolute BEAST behind the kit and his first shows with the band will be the upcoming August gigs.”

The band added, “Words cannot express how stoked we are to have [Whitney] back with us after a four-year hiatus.

“Many thanks to our brother Buzzard for rocking with us when Mick had to step down and helping us continue on as a band; we are truly grateful.

“In addition to the gigs we are playing in August to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of [36 CRAZYFISTS‘s 2002 debut album] ‘Bitterness The Star’, we are working diligently to make up the canceled European tour from last year, so we plan on crossing the pond and celebrate the anniversary with our Euro pals as well!

“Lastly, we are writing new music and looking to create the next chapter of the band.”

36 CRAZYFISTS will perform “Bitterness The Star” in its entirety at the following shows:

Aug. 03 – Chilkoot Charlie’s – Anchorage, AK
Aug. 04 – Alyeska Day Lodge – Girdwood, AK
Aug. 10 – The Alibi – Homer, AK
Aug. 11 – Hooligan’s – Soldotna, AK
Aug. 17 – Hell’s Kitchen – Tacoma, WA
Aug. 18 – Ash Street Saloon – Portland, OR

36 CRAZYFISTS‘s latest album, “Collisions And Castaways”, sold around 3,300 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 161 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD landed at No. 3 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

“Collisions And Castaways” was written and recorded between October 2009 and May 2010. It follows on the heels of 2009’s DVD, “Underneath a Northern Sky”, and is the band’s second straight effort to feature Steve Holt in the producer’s chair and Andy Sneap handling the final mix.