Dear Fans,

Over this past 2008 calendar year, Archer has endured and enjoyed quite a bit of activity. January found us sharing the stage with Heart at the annual Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, CA. However, it was bittersweet as it was our last show with founding member and beloved drummer and friend, Duke T McB. We parted ways amiably, although I must admit at times there was disappointment and even bitterness between the three of us. After 5 years of having the confidence and trust that I'd have Duke behind the kit every night we take the stage, I suddenly had nobody. I can't tell you how miserable I let the situation make me. But alas, we had no choice but to continue on and search for another drummer.
Despite our shared emotions about everything, we quickly decided there was no time to be wasted in an industry where today's greatest band can become yesterday's news in a hurry. We had to move forward as soon as possible, not to mention we were already booked for the upcoming SwedenRock Festival in June. After some thought, I decided to ask Jimmy Giovachinni to come rehearse with us and see what happens. I'd known Jimmy for years and had watched him grow into a very talented musician and a cool friend of mine. He had already been playing with local Santa Cruz metal giants Entragian for quite awhile, and Isaiah and I had seen him play several times and figured it was worth a shot.
Jimmy was all that we could have asked for. He stepped in and learned a difficult Archer set that we took to SwedenRock a few short months later, where he threw down with Isaiah and I without question or issue like a professional. We had a killer time in Europe, then went on this year to play some excellent local shows, and even spent a month on the road in September with an independent tour based out of Nashville, TN. It was a breath of fresh air to have some new young blood that would drop everything whenever needed to play a show, no matter the size. On another positive note, I grew closer with Isaiah this past year than we ever have been, as we shared the burden of being the 2 remaining founders responsible for marching forward.
From the time Duke T McB made his departure in January through November, Isaiah and I kept good terms with him and were able to rebuild and maintain an amiable relationship. We never played together at all, but hung out regularly and took the opportunity to just be old friends without bearing the weight and responsibilities of Archer that we had all carried together for the last 5 years. It was only halfway cool for Isaiah and I though, as we remained friends with Duke but always kept the question of what could have been from fully enjoying his friendship.
It wasn't until early this month of December that Isaiah and I were invited over to his place one night for reasons we hadn't foreseen. Looking back, it was ironic because the previous night we had jammed at a party at my place, marking the first time the three of us had played music together under any circumstances in almost 11 months. Duke sat us down and told us he had been thinking a lot about his life and where he wanted to take it. He said he truly needed this past year off to take all the necessary steps he had laid out for himself, something he could not have concurrently done with the ever growing emotional, mental, physical, time, and financial commitment that is Archer. To sum it up: "If I don't re-commit and give this band 110 percent, I'm going to regret it for the rest of my life. Consider taking me back and doing this thing more all out than we ever have."
For the sake of brevity, I'll concise all the emotions and thoughts Isaiah and I were feeling, not to mention the couple of weeks Isaiah and I spent going back and forth with Duke and getting advice from our respective loved ones, closest friends, and each other. Even though we didn't immediately take him back when Duke presented the idea that night, we both knew that we would. Duke is an incredibly gifted player and a smart and responsible dude that I can and have trusted since I was fifteen. His one downfall of a lack of commitment has now been erased, and I suddenly find myself back with the two dudes I've always wanted to conquer the world with. We are going out with my hero Zakk Wylde and his Black Label Society in March, and I never dreamed I would have Duke back on his throne for this amazing opportunity. Honestly, it feels like destiny.
Lastly, I have to state that the decision to replace Jimmy G was extremely difficult and something I couldn't stomach at first. He did nothing but rock with us, no questions asked, and came in at a pivotal time that frankly could have made or broken Archer had we not found a suitable drummer to fill the void. Thank you, Jimmy, for stepping in and being part of the Archer family this year. You are a killer musician, and I'm always going to be thankful to consider you a friend. Also, Entragian deserves some credit as well, considering we shared their drummer for most of this year. They have always been our friends and helped us when we were just starting out, so this is just the latest of things we appreciate from them. For that they will always have our utmost respect in the metal community.
So ladies and gentleman, welcome back Duke T McB, and get ready for a more driven and intense Archer than you've ever seen. And remember, I wouldn't even write this letter if it weren't for you.

Sincerely,

Dylan