Vitriol, the death metal band, faced a significant shakeup during their ongoing tour as co-founder Adam Roethlisberger decided to part ways with the group. This departure followed a series of challenges that strained the band’s dynamics, ultimately leading to Roethlisberger’s exit. The band’s lineup was further impacted by guitarist Daniel Martinez also leaving, leaving only guitarist-vocalist Kyle Rasmussen and drummer Matt Kilner to continue the tour as a duo.
The decision to continue the tour as a two-piece was communicated to fans through an Instagram video featuring Rasmussen and Kilner. Rasmussen elaborated on the circumstances surrounding Roethlisberger’s departure, citing financial and interpersonal pressures that had been building over their 12-year collaboration. Despite the challenges, Rasmussen expressed gratitude for Roethlisberger’s contributions and affirmed the band’s commitment to carrying on with the tour.
In an official statement, Vitriol expressed sadness over Roethlisberger’s departure, acknowledging the strain on their working relationship. Rasmussen’s reputation for being a challenging collaborator was highlighted, underscoring the difficulties that led to Roethlisberger’s decision to leave the band. Nevertheless, the band extended their best wishes to Roethlisberger for his future endeavors while emphasizing their determination to forge ahead as a two-piece outfit.
The band’s current tour, in support of their album ‘Suffer & Become,’ features Goatwhore as the headlining act, with Necrofier providing additional support. Despite the setbacks, Vitriol remained committed to fulfilling their scheduled tour dates across various cities, including Iowa City, Columbus, Toronto, Boston, and Orlando, among others. The remaining tour dates underscored the band’s resilience and dedication to their fans, despite the recent lineup changes.
Vitriol’s journey serves as a testament to the challenges faced by bands on the road, where internal dynamics and external pressures can test the resilience of even the most established groups. The departure of a founding member can significantly impact a band’s identity and sound, requiring remaining members to adapt and evolve creatively to maintain their musical vision.
As the music industry continues to evolve, bands like Vitriol must navigate the complexities of touring, fan expectations, and internal dynamics to sustain their artistic integrity and fan base. The enduring spirit of bands like Vitriol showcases the determination and passion that drive musicians to overcome obstacles and continue sharing their music with audiences worldwide.
