Japanese metalcore outfit Crystal Lake have announced that vocalist John Robert Centorrino is leaving the band after three years. The decision was mutual and comes down to a desire for a more balanced life, as international touring and family commitments became hard to juggle.
John came in as the successor to longtime legendary vocalist Ryo Kinoshita, who left the band years ago for health reasons. During John’s tenure, Crystal Lake recorded the album The Weight of Sound, which explores the “weight” of balancing family life, musical creativity, and touring demands.
In their statement, the band stressed that they understand the challenges John faced as a dad and thanked him for his contribution over the past three years. “John gave it his all, but the grueling schedules and international distances made it harder and harder to balance family life with a music career,” the band members wrote.
For now, Crystal Lake will keep playing shows, with guest vocalists temporarily filling in while they look for a new permanent singer. The band’s tour includes dates in Japan, Asia, Indonesia, Australia, the US, and Europe.
The news has also raised questions about a possible return of Ryo Kinoshita, whose mental health has improved since he left. Ryo himself hasn’t commented on a possible comeback yet, but judging by the reactions on Instagram, fans are clearly dying to have him back.
With John Robert Centorrino’s departure, Crystal Lake hit a new turning point – the band is now on the hunt for a vocalist who can carry on their energetic, intense path on the global metalcore scene.
John Robert Centorrino Leaves Crystal Lake: A New Turning Point for the Japanese Metalcore Band
Japanese metalcore band Crystal Lake has announced that John Robert Centorrino is leaving the group after three years as their lead vocalist. The decision was mutual and comes as John seeks a better balance between his music career and family life, with international tours and personal obligations becoming increasingly difficult to manage.
John had joined the band as the replacement for long-time vocalist Ryo Kinoshita, who left several years ago due to health reasons. During John’s tenure, Crystal Lake released the album The Weight of Sound, which explores the “weight” of balancing life, family, and the demands of being in a touring band.
In their official statement, Crystal Lake emphasized their understanding of the challenges John faced as a father and expressed gratitude for his contributions over the past three years. “John gave everything, but the demanding schedule and international distances made it increasingly difficult to manage both family and his music career,” the band said.
The band will continue performing for already scheduled shows, featuring special guest vocalists while they search for a permanent new singer. Crystal Lake’s tour plans include Japan, Asia, Indonesia, Australia, the United States, and Europe.
Fans have also been discussing the potential return of Ryo Kinoshita, whose mental health has improved since his departure. While Ryo himself has not commented on any plans to rejoin the band, Instagram fans are expressing strong support and hope for his return.
With the departure of John Robert Centorrino, Crystal Lake now faces a new chapter, seeking a vocalist who can continue their high-energy and intense metalcore legacy on the global stage.
Original text from the band:
We have an announcement to share.
It has been an incredibly busy few years leading up to the release of our album The Weight of Sound. We started the year on a high, releasing the record in January and having a great time together with fans across Europe and the UK. 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest years we’ve ever had.
Last year was also nonstop for Crystal Lake. We were writing and recording while moving from continent to continent playing some of the biggest shows of our career. During this busy time creating The Weight of Sound album, John welcomed his child into the world. That brought a deeper meaning to the core idea behind the song and album title, the weight that comes with balancing life, family, and being in a touring band
Some of us in the band and on our team are fathers, so we understand both the joy of those short moments at home and the challenge of being away for long periods of time. John has given everything to make it work for us and his daughter, but the international distances and schedule demands have made it increasingly difficult for him to balance the two.
So, it is with a heavy heart that we are announcing the mutual decision to part ways so John can focus on a path that allows him a healthier balance in his life and music career. We truly want this for John and, as hard as it is for both of us, we know it is the right decision.
We want to thank John for the past three years and for everything he has brought to Crystal Lake. We are also grateful to all of you who welcomed him into this band, as well as our team and partners who continue to stand with us through every step.
Crystal Lake has no intention of stopping. Our band is fortunate to have talented friends, and some of them have offered to fill in until we find our new singer.
John remains part of our extended family, and we know you will continue to support him in whatever comes next.
For all currently confirmed shows, we will continue playing with special guest vocalists filling in and remain more active than ever.
We hope to see you out there as we continue our tour through Japan, Asia, Indonesia, Australia, the United States, and back to Europe later this year.
With love and gratitude,
Crystal Lake
