Founding Ne Obliviscaris vocalist Xenoyr has give up the band after 22 years. Becoming a member of is vocalist James Dorton (Black Crown Initiate, Replacire), who has been touring with Ne Obliviscaris since 2023 instead of Xenoyr. In his assertion, Xenoyr notes his choice to go away was a mixture of not having toured in a couple of years, some tough years on a private stage, and a few totally different initiatives he is been engaged on. The next are statements from each Ne Obliviscaris and Xenoyr.
“This may occasionally come as a shock to some and but anticipated for others, however after a lot deliberation I’ve determined to go away NeO, the band I began and have helped construct for the final 20 years,” wrote Xen. “I might at all times mentioned that I might be the final man standing within the band, and it was at all times my intention to return utterly to the fold, however time and expertise has modified me… and so right here I’m bowing out. The quite simple motive is that contemplating the place I’m mentally and in life, intensive touring is not for me, and in flip that means the band and I half methods.
“NeO has been one among my greatest priorities in life since 2003, I do not remorse that. I am happy with what we have achieved – however the dedication of time, preparation and dedication to heavy touring, as each musician is aware of, comes with numerous sacrifice. Since 2019 (pre-pandemic), I’ve solely performed a handful of dwell exhibits and over the previous couple of years I’ve progressively grow to be extra estranged from the touring course of. In order that coupled with some tough years on a private stage, gave me time away from the hectic schedule to breathe and in the end discover readability round what I worth, what I would like and the best way to proceed ahead. My drive has at all times been initially for the inventive technique of artwork, music, writing, and all the things behind the scenes relatively than being within the limelight each evening, and so I plan to focus extra on these issues. Leaving NeO certainly not implies that I am giving up music, I’ve 3 different growing bands (Spiine, Omega Infinity, Antiqva) to concentrate on so I will nonetheless be round releasing albums. Creativity retains me respiratory, the stage lights don’t.
“Shifting ahead, NeO will proceed, as they’ve been in my absence, with the help and dedication of the proficient James Dorton on vocals. He is held the fort for me for quite a few excursions over the past couple of years and has accomplished an unbelievable job, so I hand the hilt over to him – please make him really feel welcome.
“I might prefer to thank the fantastic lads in NeO, they have been gracious and understanding, and have given me the house to make one of many greatest choices of my life. I do not actually have sufficient phrases to specific my gratitude to them for the years of collaboration, experiences, reminiscences, and achievements (and for placing up with my incessant nagging for extra blast beats) – Thanks for all the things – we have accomplished greater than we thought doable, and have accomplished what most Australian metallic bands attempt for – I do not see the prepare stopping anytime quickly so I am trying ahead to watching the band proceed to develop.
“Thanks immensely to the NeO patrons, I am ceaselessly humbled for the assist you’ve got proven the band over time, with out you we undoubtedly would not have come so far as now we have. And eventually thanks to all of the followers all over the world, I admire you all placing up with my black and white life filter. This transformation is the one manner ahead for me, thanks all for understanding.”
Ne Obliviscaris added their very own assertion, saying: “To start with to Xen– thanks for all the things you could have accomplished for NeO over the past 21+ years, going manner again to the band’s inception in 2003. This band would actually not have existed with out you and despite the fact that you aren’t persevering with as an official member of the band, you’ll at all times be our brother. We love you buddy, and need you all the very best on this new chapter of your journey.
To all of the fans- We by no means actually imagined a model of NeO with out Xen to be trustworthy. However one factor now we have realized over time is that the flexibility to adapt and develop when issues change is a should. With that in thoughts we’re very excited to announce that James Dorton will formally be becoming a member of NeO as our new harsh vocalist. Having toured extensively with us over the past two years, many followers will already be accustomed to James‘ unbelievable abilities and the way nice a match he’s for our band. 2025 goes to be one other very thrilling one for us with much more touring on the horizon (USA, Mexico & EU festivals already introduced; & extra to return), plus new music within the works as nicely. Thanks as at all times to everybody for all of your ongoing assist, thanks as soon as extra to Xen for all the things and an enormous heat welcome to James.”
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