Following guitarist Pat O’Brien’s bizarre arrest in late 2018, Cannibal Corpse have recruited Hate Eternal’s Erik Rutan as a temporary replacement. Rutan will be on guitar for Cannibal Corpse’s headlining slot on the Decibel Magazine tour and the band’s leg on Slayer’s farewell tour.

On Dec. 10, Pat O'Brien was arrested for assaulting a police officer while invading a neighbor's home before his own house caught fire and ammunition inside exploded as firefighters battled the inferno. He was since released on bond and over 80 guns, plus three skulls, were found in his home.

“Cannibal Corpse have announced that Erik Rutan will fill in for guitarist Pat O'Brien as O'Brien tends to personal issues,” the death metal legends said in a new statement. “Rutan will appear live with the band for the Decibel Magazine Tour and the upcoming US leg of Slayer's final tour happening this May alongside Slayer, Lamb of God, and Amon Amarth.”

Metal Blade Records has reached out to Loudwire, reassuring fans that Pat O'Brien is still very much a member of Cannibal Corpse.

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