Text by: Pedro Mauro and Gabriela Marqueti
March was a busy month for the world of rock and metal. Besides the announcements of Avenged Sevenfold and Linkin Park in Brazil , something that caught attention was the number of bands that lost members or announced changes in their lineup.
We at Wikimetal have compiled a complete list of bands that have recently undergone changes so you can stay up to date.
Mastodon
The band that kicked off the whirlwind of changes that happened this March was Mastodon . On the 7th, the band announced the departure of guitarist Brent Hinds , who had been with the group since its formation in 2000. Two days later, Mastodon performed live with guitarist and YouTuber Ben Eller , who had to learn 17 songs from the band's discography immediately.
Crypta
On March 10th, guitarist and Crypta Jéssica di Falchi announced her decision to leave the band by mutual agreement with the other members. The artist had been part of the group since 2023.
“I would like to thank Crypta for their trust in my work and for the invitation to be a part of this story,” wrote the guitarist. “I also want to thank the fans very much for their warm welcome and affection; I will carry this experience with me forever. See you soon on the road!”
In a social media comment , vocalist Fernanda Lira stated that Crypta should continue as a quartet, but that they will take the process of choosing a new guitarist "calmly and peacefully." "Until we officially announce someone, we'll be testing and touring with a few different girls," Fernanda wrote.
Edu Falaschi
Edu Falaschi 's band also underwent changes this month, on the 12th, with the departure of guitarist Roberto Barros . The musician had been part of the project since 2017 and described his time in the band as "8 years of incredible experiences".
“The main reason I left is that I want to take a year off for myself, a sabbatical year, to study intensely,” Roberto Barros explained in a social media post . “It’s something I’ve always loved doing. There are several accounts from the band saying that I studied before and after the show, which is something I love to do. Besides that, I want to do my own work as well.”
Hybrid
The changes this month were not only subtractive, but also additive. The Brazilian band Hibria announced on the 17th its new lineup, which now includes musicians Angelo Parisotto (vocals), Abel Camargo (guitar), Velles (guitar), Tiago Assis (bass), and William Schuck (drums). The announcement was made during a live session of the track "Steel Lord on Wheels".
Katatonia
Katatonia also underwent changes this month with the departure of guitarist and founder Anders Nyström after more than three decades of collaboration. The announcement was made through the band's social media.
“Anders Nyström and I are going our separate ways,” vocalist and founder Jonas Renkse . “A decision that wasn’t taken lightly, but so that everyone can thrive and move forward with their own creative preferences as well as personal agendas, this became the realistic option.”
Guns N' Roses
On the 19th, Guns N' Roses announced the departure of Frank Ferrer , described as "amicable." The musician had been with the band for 19 years and was the longest-serving drummer in Guns N' Roses.
A few days later, Ferrer published a statement thanking fans for their affection and support, as well as his former bandmates: “I will always have immense gratitude and love for Axl [Rose] and the band, but at the same time, disappointment that this chapter has come to an end. It has been an incredible 19 years. Guns N' Roses gave me transformative memories and experiences.”
Guns N' Roses has announced Isaac Carpenter – a member of Loaded, Duff McKagan's band – as their new touring drummer.
READ ALSO: Exodus is recording two new albums for 2025, says Gary Holt
