Vitriol are looking a little different than they did at the beginning of their tour, currently working as a two-piece after the exit of founding bassist and co-vocalist Adam Roethlisberger.
The group, who earlier in the year had been a four-piece, has apparently shed half their ranks with guitarist Daniel Martinez exiting the band as well. That leaves guitarist-vocalist Kyle Rasmussen and drummer Matt Kilner to carry on as the group currently has dates booked through Sept. 30 in Pensacola, Florida.
Rasmussen addressed the band’s fans in an Instagram video with Kilner. In it, he confirmed that the switch had taken place after their Aug. 25 show in Portland, Oregon and would continue to do so through the current run.
What Vitriol Had to Say About Adam Roethlisberger’s Exit
Filmed during a stop at Cave-In-Rock, Illinois on Thursday (Sept. 5), Rassmussen explained in the video, “After our Portland show on this tour, my long-term Vitriol partner Adam, co-vocalist and bass player, decided to call it a day on the band.”
“I’m sure many of you want to know why,” he continued. “There are many reasons. It was a very, very turbulent beginning to tour, financially, mentally, everything. When you’ve been working with someone for 12 years, things happen. We’ve had interpersonal pressure for a while now. It is what it is. There are a lot of reasons. He has our love and we’re very sad that he’s gone.”
“But Matt and I are keeping this train a rolling,” Rassmussen assured. “We’ll be finishing this tour as a two-piece. Come on and check it out. Best case scenario – you’re surprised. Worst case scenario – take videos and talk shit about us on the internet.”
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In a statement accompanying the video, the band wrote, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the departure of founding member, bassist, and co-vocalist, Adam Roethlisberger. After a very rocky start to the tour, Adam felt it was the time to call it a day. It was the straw upon the camel’s back of a long and difficult working relationship with myself (Kyle). I can be a difficult person to work with. Adam has our love and best wishes in whatever he pursues next.”
Rassmussen concluded, “Matt and I will continue as a two-piece for the foreseeable future. Thank you to everyone who has shared their support and enthusiasm over these last several shows. To the rest of you, we hope to see you out there.”
Vitriol have been playing shows in support of their Suffer & Become album. Their current tour has Goatwhore in the headline spot, with Necrofier on board as the other support band. Remaining dates can be seen below.
Vitriol With Goatwhore and Necrofier Tour Dates
Sept. 6 – Iowa City, Iowa @ Gabe’s
Sept. 7 – St Paul, Minn. @ Turf Club
Sept. 8 – Cudahy, Wis. @ X-Ray Arcade
Sept. 9 – Indianapolis, Ind. @ Black Circle Brewing
Sept. 10 – Columbus, Ohio @ Ace Of Cups
Sept. 11 – Cleveland, Ohio @ No Class
Sept. 12 – Toledo, Ohio @ Frankie’s Inner City
Sept. 13 – Pittsburgh, Pa. @ Spirit Hall
Sept. 14 – Grand Rapids, Mich. @ Pyramid Scheme
Sept. 15 – Detroit, Mich. @ The Sanctuary
Sept. 17 – Toronto, Ontario @ Lee’s Palace
Sept. 18 – Ottawa, Ontario @ Brass Monkey
Sept. 19 – Montreal, Quebec @ Piranha Bar
Sept. 20 – Boston, Mass. @ Middle East Club
Sept. 21 – Syracuse, N.Y. @ The Song and Dance
Sept. 22 – Brooklyn, N.Y. @ Metal Injection Festival
Sept. 23 – Mechanicsburg, Pa. @ Lovedrafts
Sept. 24 – Baltimore, Md. @ Metro Gallery
Sept. 25 – Chapel Hill, N.C. @ Local 506
Sept. 27 – Orlando, Fla. @ Conduit
Sept. 28 – Miami, Fla. @ Gramps
Sept. 29 – Jacksonville, Fla. @ Jack Rabbits
Sept. 30 – Pensacola, Fla. @ Handlebar
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