Only Heavy Metal

Guitarist Ol Drake has announced his departure from British thrashers EVILE.

His official statement on the matter reads as follows:

"It's been half my life (15 years) since I started jamming in a room with three other guys, in a group in which I didn't know would grow to be EVILE, go through what EVILE has gone through and achieve what EVILE has so far achieved.

"Since 1999, I've put 100% of my time and life into the band we formed, while us all had/have to sacrifice a lot financially and personally along the way.

"I've had some of the best times of my life in the past 15 years and met some amazing and fascinating people. I've had the huge honour to play a part in so many things I'd never have dreamed of: paying tribute to Dimebag [PANTERA] by covering 'Cemetery Gates' in Metal Hammer; supporting MEGADETH, EXODUS and many bands I grew up listening to; playing and recording with DESTRUCTION; touring/seeing places in the world I'd never have got to see otherwise and many more.

"Over the past year, I've, unfortunately, found myself becoming more and more detached from the touring/band lifestyle.

"In my opinion, the music business for a band of our genre and 'level' determines a very unrealistic way of life to me, and I personally find it difficult to make a living and have a 'normal' life.

"This is not a plea for sympathy, I'm simply being honest.

"I've reached a point where I want a family/kids, a house, a steady and definite income and everything in between, and in regard to my personal preferences, a touring band's income and uncertainties, in the state that I feel they would continue to be in, has become incompatible with how I feel and what I want/need.

"There is no animosity between the rest of the band and I. This is purely a personal and financial decision I've been mulling over for a while and I wish them all the best for the future.

"I am not unappreciative of the position EVILE has in the music world; I know a lot of people would love to be where EVILE are.

"I want to thank each and every person who supports the band, and I want to extend a special thanks to Digby and the Earache Records crew.

"Huge apologies to anyone this disappoints, but I have to do what makes sense to me.

"I am not quitting writing or playing; I do plan on continuing to record and write my own music (solo project, general composing/recording etc), I just won't be touring etc.

"I'll still be playing the two upcoming festival shows EVILE have.

"You can keep up to date with what I'll be doing on my Twitter or on Facebook.

"A big thank you to everyone!

"Since their formation in 2004, British thrash masters EVILE have been turning heads and taking names, delivering pure thrash offerings blended with an uncompromising death metal assault. This summer, following their latest, critically acclaimed album, Hell Unleashed (2021), July 14, 2023 sees the four-piece strike again with their sixth full-length offering, entitled The Unknown, via Napalm Records!

This time, EVILE prove that they are more than just a thrash band, churning out slower tempos with a heavier approach. In addition, melodic vocals meet serious, in-depth lyrical topics – ranging from depression, overcoming loss and recurring nightmares, self-esteem and image, to more personal themes like living with dementia, struggling through the music industry and even the concerns of becoming a new parent. On The Unknown, EVILE – fronted by vocalist and guitarist Ol Drake – are more profound, personal and deep, while also proving heavier, stronger and more raucous than ever! Songs such as the epic title track, ""The Unknown"", showcase the band's haunting elements, balancing a dark, melodic and almost mesmerizing vibe with colossal, heavy riffage and thundering drums. While ""When Mortal Coils Shed“ doubles down on the stirring, ""new"" side of EVILE, explosive tracks such as ""Reap What You Sow"" and ""Monolith"" leave nothing but a hammering world of sound building up to a stomping thrash manifesto!

The Unknown unchains the rampant songwriting talent of these British thrash metal frontrunners, proving that thrash does not always have to be fast-paced. It can also be in-your-face with outstanding musical skill, without fear of showing a still unknown face of lyrical depth and an enthralling, versatile, brave modern metal sound!"