Smoking Popes have announced that their previously vacant drum position will be occupied by the multi–talented Neil Hennessy, also of The Lawrence Arms:

We've been playing together for the past couple of weeks gearing up for a summer of rock. First up, a record release show for "Stay Down" at Metro on June 7th, then the album will hit stores on June 17th. After the album is out, we're planning on hitting the road. The plans are coming together at the moment and we'll keep you posted…

The Popes long–awaited new record is titled Stay Down and is due out June 17, 2008. As for their new drummer, Neil has performed in The Lawrence Arms, The Falcon, Baxter, The Killing Tree and also co–wrote the Rise Against hit, "Swing Life Away."