I mean, who needs a social life when you can spend your days obsessing over the latest drama in the metal world? And what’s more dramatic than the saga of Aaron Stainthorpe, the former frontman of My Dying Bride, and his very public departure from the band he co-founded and fronted for 35 years? I’m not crying, you’re crying… or maybe we’re all just crying because the state of the world is a mess and we need some good old-fashioned metal drama to distract us from the impending doom that awaits us all 🤣.
Anyway, Stainthorpe has returned with a new project called Towards The Sinister, which features three of his ex-bandmates, Calvin Robertshaw, Ade Jackson, and Rick Miah, as well as some other talented musicians. Because what’s a metal band without a few ex-members and some new blood to stir the pot? The band’s goal is to pay homage to My Dying Bride’s classic first four studio albums, because who needs new music when you can just rehash the old stuff and call it a day? 🙄
The Drama Continues…
In a recent interview, Stainthorpe spoke about his departure from My Dying Bride, saying, “That doesn’t bother me anymore. I’ve moved on.” Yeah, sure, Aaron, we’ve all moved on… to a world where metal bands can’t even stay together for more than a few years without imploding in a blaze of glory 🤣. He also mentioned that he’s not interested in engaging in an online spat with his former bandmates, because, you know, that would be beneath him… or maybe he’s just too busy enjoying his newfound freedom and planning his next move 🤔.
Stainthorpe also talked about the early fan response to Towards The Sinister, saying, “It’s been nothing but positive.” Well, of course it has, because who wouldn’t want to see a bunch of old dudes playing the same old songs they’ve been playing for decades? I mean, it’s not like the fans are just nostalgic for the good old days or anything… 😏. The band plans to focus on playing material from My Dying Bride’s first four albums, because, you know, that’s what the people want… or at least that’s what the band thinks the people want 🤷♂️.
But Wait, There’s More!
Towards The Sinister brings together key architects of My Dying Bride’s classic era to celebrate and resurrect the dark, mournful atmosphere that helped define the death-doom genre. Because what’s more fun than wallowing in misery and despair? 🤘 The lineup features Stainthorpe, founding My Dying Bride members Robertshaw and Miah, and original bassist Jackson, performing material drawn primarily from the band’s seminal early releases, including “As The Flower Withers”, “Turn Loose The Swans”, “The Angel And The Dark River”, and “Like Gods Of The Sun”. Yeah, because those albums aren’t already played out… 🙄.
In related news, My Dying Bride announced last October that they had officially parted ways with Stainthorpe, and recruited singer Mikko Kotamäki (Swallow The Sun) to front the band for its live appearances in 2025 and beyond. Because, you know, the show must go on… even if it’s with a different singer 🎤. The band stated that the decision to move forward without Stainthorpe was not taken lightly, but they had to do what was best for the band… or at least that’s what they claim 🤔.
And so, the drama continues… or should I say, the soap opera that is the metal world continues 📺. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, and in the meantime, go ahead and grab some popcorn and enjoy the show 🍿. 🎸
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
