Drummer Austin D’amond and groove/melodic death metallers DevilDriver made an amicable separation announcement this past Thursday (Dec. 8).
They stated specifically the following on Facebook and Instagram:
Uplifting news here, always sad to part with a brother, but in this case, we could not be more proud… Austin D’Amond has been offered a very lucrative spot at his sobriety clinic to head up the program, helping to get people sober, and we are very proud of the steps he’s taken in his own life to get sober and also to help others with their struggles. . . . Sad to see him go, but as he steps away from touring, he’s bettering his life and the lives of others – so Austin, we salute you!
Underneath, vocalist Dez Fafara recalled: “Working with Austin was fun, but I’m very glad for the next chapter of his life where he will be helping people.”
As most fans are aware, D’amond played with Chimaira before replacing the band’s original drummer John Boecklin in 2015. So, with 2016’s Trust No One, he made his DevilDriver studio debut. He has always been very forthcoming about fighting his previous drug addiction with sobriety and prayer. In order to aid those in need, he even founded Shred Sober.
Although he hasn’t posted a statement on his own social media pages (at least not yet), D’Amond added to the official statement: “I’m very grateful for my time playing for DevilDriver and the experience was priceless. These friendships will last forever, and I have nothing but love for all my brothers. I wish them many more years of giving the fans the most necessary SHRED!!!”
Davier Pérez of The Mirage Theory will replace D’Amond, as stated by DevilDriver in the same post. Pérez naturally added:: “To say that I’m honored to be part of the DevilDriver family is an understatement!” Likewise, Fafara declared: “Once I saw [Pérez] play, I asked around and spoke with him and heard his excitement as well his long-term commitment level. I knew he was our guy!
Of course, DevilDriver’s lineup has seen a number of changes since 2022. Since Jon Miller, the band’s original bassist, left in 2011 and was later replaced by Chris Towning and Diego Ibarra, they had previously welcomed his return. Alex Lee, a guitarist with Holy Grail, was also added (who replaced Neal Tiemann).
It is unknown if Perez will take part in the impending sequel to 2020s Dealing with Demons I.
