As It Is Part Ways With Bassist Alistair Testo

As It Is have announced that they have parted ways with bassist Alistair Testo.

Ali joined the band back in 2014. He played on all of the band’s full-lengths since, the last being this year’s ‘I WENT TO HELL AND BACK’.

The band had this to say about the departure:

“It’s with only love in our hearts that we announce Ali’s departure from As It Is. You’ll be so missed, brother. Thank you for it all.”

And Ali had this to say in his own message to fans:

“Hi everyone, A note to let you know that I am leaving As It Is. The interruption that happened to all our lives over the last couple of years afforded me a chance to reflect on my priorities and gave me change in perspective.

I have loved the journey that being a part of As It Is has taken me on and I have nothing but love for all involved. However, alongside the good times and dream moments is a lot of hard work and sacrifice.

As we emerged from the pandemic and started touring again the motivation and love was not as strong as it once was. It became clear to me that I wasn’t willing to make the same sacrifices as before and I came to the conclusion that it was time to call it a day.

Thanks for a wild ride. It’s been emotional. Ali.”

Trevor Strnad (The Black Dahlia Murder) Passes Away

he Black Dahlia Murder have announced that their vocalist Trevor Strnad has passed away. 

The band have released a short statement on their socials, which you can read below:

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Trevor Scott Strnad. Beloved son, brother, and Shepard of good times, he was loved by all that met him. A walking encyclopedia of all things music. He was a hugger, a writer, and truly one of the world’s greatest entertainers. His lyrics provided the world with stories and spells and horror and whimsy. It was his life to be your show.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800-273-8255″

Strnad was a found member of The Black Dahlia Murder and part of the original lineup and he has appeared on every one of their records since over the last two decades, the latest being 2020’s full-length ‘Verminous’. 

A Day To Remember’s Josh Woodard Leaves The Band

A Day To Remember’s Josh Woodard has announced that he has left the band.

You can read the full statement below.

“In the summer of 2020, I released a statement addressing false allegations that were made against me online. At the time, with the pandemic and my daughter on the way, I personally decided to pause legal proceedings against the accuser once the post was removed.

These accusations have unfortunately resurfaced within the last few days, and I must act accordingly. It is not fair to my bandmates and brothers to be attached to or targeted because of any of this, so I have made the decision to step down from my position in the band as of today. I will be leaving tour to be with my family and continue to defend my innocence in these matters.

I know who I am and who I am not. I admit, wholeheartedly, that I am not a perfect person and I have made mistakes in life. I strive every day I am given to be a better person, husband, bandmate and friend.

I appreciate those who supported me and defended my name against the lies being spread, and I am sorry to those who have been negatively affected by them. This decision is the furthest thing from what I want, but it is unfortunately what is best. Being a member of ADTR has been the greatest honour and I am so thankful for the past 18 years.”

Loathe Part Ways With Connor Sweeney

Loathe have announce they have parted ways with Connor Sweeney (Guitar).

Sweeney was one of the founding members of the band and has played on all of their recordings to date.

Loathe have released this short statement on their socials:

“Loathe regretfully announce the departure of Connor Sweeney. We would like to thank Connor for his contributions and commitment to Loathe over the years and wish him the best in his future endeavours.”

And Connor has released this much longer statement:

“Hello internet. Today I can’t believe I’m saying this, but with the largest stone in my throat and a leaden heart, I’ve decided to part ways with Loathe. Thank you to everyone who has ever supported me in this band and in music as it means everything to me. Without music i wouldn’t be alive. Seriously. ⁣

I am not dead musically as I have something I’m working on, that I will be putting what’s left of my heart and soul into after what has been a harrowing ordeal this past year. ⁣

I thought some things might have changed with time within the band but unfortunately in this case things continued to stay the same. So as to preserve my own well being and mental health I have decided to leave. ⁣

Thank you to all who have ever been there in any and every way, It really really does mean more than I could ever describe. I WILL be back with new music and hopefully playing shows again once all is ready. ⁣

A massive thank you to Ryan Richards for being the greatest manager and making my personal dreams a reality.⁣

Another massive thank you to Zack McAdam, Lewis Chalmers and Josh Singh for always being such amazing people and crew to work with.⁣

Thank you for reading.⁣

Connor”

Black Peaks Have Broken Up

UK four piece Black Peaks have regrettably announced they’ve called it a day and ended the band.

They shared the news in a statement published via their social channels, citing that they “have reached a point where we don’t feel we can continue in a way that is healthy for us.”

You can read the full statement below.

“The time has come to bring Black Peaks to its close. Over the past 4 years, we have dealt with some incredibly hard and demanding situations which we have done our absolute best to work through. Unfortunately, we have reached a point where we don’t feel we can continue in a way that is healthy for us.

To you, our fans, friends, and family. Thank you for being the greatest support network we could’ve ever hoped for. We have achieved things that we never thought would be possible when we began this journey. So, for supporting our vision, we owe you our utmost gratitude.

A special thank you to our team, who we believe to be some of the best in business. It has been our pleasure to learn from and grow with these wonderful humans over the last 10 years and we couldn’t have done it without them.

All our love,
Joe, Liam, Will & Dave.”

Black Peaks formed in 2012 initially under the name of Shrine and then changed their name after the release of their debut EP, ‘Closer To The Sun’ in 2014.

They then went on to release two full length records, ‘Statues’ (2016) and ‘All that Divides’ (2018) where they performed a livestream which released as a live record, ‘Live At The Brighton Centre’ earlier in 2021.

Bury Tomorrow Part Ways With Guitarist / Vocalist Jason Cameron

Bury Tomorrow have announced that they’ve parted ways with their longtime guitarist / vocalist Jason Cameron

The musician has been with the band since their formation in 2006, but having ​“this time of reflection” where it seems the pandemic has put him on a different path now.

“The past 18 months have been challenging for everyone,” Bury Tomorrow say in a statement. ​“The music industry in particular has been completely turned on its head. We’ve had a lot of time to reflect individually on what we want out of life and more so out of Bury Tomorrow. During this time of reflection, it has become apparent that we aren’t all on the same page and haven’t been for some time.

“We’re so proud of everything we have achieved so far as a five and are immensely grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way but after many discussions, ourselves and Jason have agreed that in order to progress how we all intend, we will be parting ways.

“We know whatever Jase goes on to do next, he will bring the same love and passion he brought to Bury Tomorrow.

“We are excited to see what this new chapter of Bury Tomorrow has in store for us. We hope your love and support will continue and we cannot wait to see the Team BT faithful at our upcoming shows.”

Good luck to both Jason and Bury Tomorrow in their futures.

Lotus Eater Split Following Allegations Against Frontwoman Paul Collins

Lotus Eater have now disbanded following the allegations against Paul Collins (Vocals).

The frontman was accused by testimonies from ​‘Survivor A, B and C’ on social media account Surviving Paul Collins of sexual, physical and emotional abuse, rape, threats and more, where the band have responded to these allegations on July 9th 2021 saying that, ​“Paul Collins is no longer a member of Lotus Eater.”

Soon after that, the remaining members of Lotus Eater – Cameron Humphrey and Aiden Cooper have put an end to the band, posting a short statement that read: ​“Lotus Eater 2016 – 2021. Gloom Worldwide, thank you for everything.” 

The band were set to release their debut record, ‘Where the Body Goes’ later this month via Hopeless Records.

It looks as though the Lotus Eater social media accounts have since been deleted.

The now former frontman of Lotus Eater, Paul Collins has responded against the allegations which have been fired at him, writing the he will be “revising these statements and addressing them thoroughly”, and is taking legal action.

Counterparts Part Ways With Blake Hardman (Guitar)

It looks as if Counterparts have parted ways with their guitarist, Blake Hardman, who has publicly announced his exit.

Hardman shared the news of his departure via Twitter, which you can view below.

“I am no longer a part of Counterparts. Thank you to everyone who supported me and the records I was a large part of. The memories and friends I made playing in the band will be cherished forever.

I have 4 tracks I was gonna use for the newer record that I will probably just track vocals for and post somewhere for anyone who’s interested in hearing em’.”

Hardman originally filled in as their bass player for the band briefly in 2014, during which time he was a member of Hundredth. He joined the band as a full time member on guitar from 2016.

As Hardman mentioned in his tweets, Counterparts are preparing to head into the studio soon to begin tracking their seventh album which is the follow-up to 2019’s ‘Nothing Left To Love’.

More details on the further output from Counterparts will be confirmed as they develop.

InMe Part Ways With Greg McPherson (Bass)

British quintet InMe have now confirmed they are a quartet after Greg McPherson (Bass) has left the band are fifteen years.

The news was shared via an announcement on their Facebook page, which you can read below.

“After 15 years of incredible musical contribution, next level live performances, and just straight up amazing fun good times, Greg McPherson is no longer part of InMe. 

We love you Greg, and wish you all the best moving forward. Our heartfelt thanks to you for everything you’ve done for this band.

You’re a legend, cheers brother.

The next chapter of InMe (25 years and counting) shall be revealed soon. 

Thank you all for your support, always.

InMe x”

McPherson joined the band in 2006 after the completion of their touring for the second record, ‘White Butterfly’.

Since he joined, he performed and featured on all of the band’s following records, the latest being last year’s ‘Jumpstart Hope’.

More details on McPerson’s replacement and future output and activity from InMe will be confirmed as it develops.

Zebrahead Part Ways With Matty Lewis (Guitar / Vocals)

US punks Zebrahead have announced that they have parted ways with their guitarist and vocalist, Matty Lewis.

The band confirmed the departure in a statement posted via their social media platforms, which you can read in full below, though the reason for Matty Lewis stepping down hasn’t been shared.

“Hello Zebrahead Friends & Family,

We have been reading posts and getting tons of calls, emails and texts over the last several days from many of you after seeing Matty’s statement about leaving the band.

Here is the straight truth…

Matty sent a group text informing us that he left the band. For the past month, we have been processing this news and deciding what the future holds. After some reflection among the guys, we all feel the band means everything to us and agree that Zebrahead is bigger than any one member. There is this amazing community of friends and fans all over the world, way bigger than any of us could have ever imagined, that made it clear to us to continue.

Although we will miss Matty and wish him all the best, we look forward to this next chapter for Zebrahead. We are excited about creating new music and playing live shows again. Thank you all for love and support. We promise you’ll be hearing more from us real soon.

Hugs & Kisses – Ali, Ben, Ed, Dan”

Lewis joined the band in 2005 after performing in a band called Jank 1000 who toured alongside Zebrahead.

He has performed on the band’s last eight full-length albums, the latest being 2019’s ‘Brain Invaders’.