Three former members of the band Dogma, vocalists Grace Jane Pasturini (Lilith) and guitarists Amber Maldonado (Lamia) and Patri Grief (Rusalka), have announced their departure. The musicians claim they were replaced due to what they describe as "unilateral decisions, broken promises, manipulation, mistreatment, and lies to the fans."
Key Takeaways
- Three members of Dogma, Lilith, Lamia, and Rusalka, have left the band.
- They cite manipulation, mistreatment, and unilateral decisions as reasons for their departure.
- The former members state the project has become a 'brand' rather than a band.
- The remaining Dogma entity acknowledges the departures and emphasizes evolution and collective vision.
- Fans are urged to demand transparency and consider refunds for misrepresented experiences.
Former Members Speak Out on Departures
Grace Jane Pasturini, Amber Maldonado, and Patri Grief, known by their stage names Lilith, Lamia, and Rusalka, confirmed their exit from Dogma. Their statement detailed a challenging environment within the band. They expressed deep disappointment, stating that the current incarnation of Dogma no longer represents the original vision. "We loved this project, but what's being sold today is not Dogma," their joint statement read.
The musicians described experiencing a series of issues during their time with the band. These included "unilateral decisions, broken promises, manipulation, mistreatment, and lies to the fans." These claims paint a picture of internal conflict and a significant divergence from their initial understanding of the project.
Key Allegations from Former Members
- Unilateral decision-making
- Broken promises
- Manipulation and mistreatment
- Deception towards fans
Accusations Against Current Project Leadership
The former members did not name specific individuals but pointed to a single person now controlling the project. They described this individual as "a threat to Dogma's future" and stated this person is "not an artist or a musician." The core of their complaint centers on the alleged transformation of Dogma from a collaborative band into a commercial brand.
"He turned a band into a brand, and people into disposable pieces," the statement continued. This suggests a perceived shift from artistic integrity and collaboration to a more business-oriented, perhaps exploitative, approach. The musicians feel betrayed, stating, "He betrayed the artists, his partners, and the fans."
"Dogma was born from connection, from the music, from the stories we shared with you. Replacing people without honesty isn't who we are."
The departing members emphasized that the essence of Dogma, for them, was built on genuine connection and shared musical experiences. They believe that replacing members without transparency undermines the very ideals the band was meant to embody.
Call for Transparency and Fan Action
The former members highlighted Dogma's original mission to promote "ideals of freedom and liberation." They assert that these ideals cannot exist without "integrity and honesty toward the fans and everyone involved in the project." Their concern extends to the fanbase, expressing a desire to prevent further deception.
The Role of Masks in Dogma
Dogma is known for its members performing in masks. The departing musicians commented on this aspect, stating, "Masks were meant to protect identity, not to replace people." This statement implies that the masks were intended for artistic expression and identity protection, not as a tool to facilitate anonymous member changes without fan knowledge. They concluded by saying, "The only one who needs to take off the mask is him."
They urged fans to take action, stating, "Demand transparency. Ask for refunds if you weren't given what you were promised." This direct appeal suggests a belief that fans have been misled about the true nature of the band and its lineup. The former members believe that the power to change the current situation rests with fan support.
Dogma's Official Response to Departures
In response to the online statements, the official Dogma entity issued its own communication. This statement acknowledged the "recent online statements by some former, non-original members of Dogma." It emphasized a different perspective on the band's structure and evolution.
The official statement maintained that "Dogma has always been and will continue to be much bigger than any one individual." This suggests a collective or evolving identity for the band, rather than one tied to specific members. It also underlined that change is a natural part of artistic growth.
Emphasis on Evolution and Collective Vision
The current Dogma team stated that the project was "founded on creativity, collaboration, and evolution." They acknowledged the contributions of all past and present members, noting that each has "left a mark that helped shape who we are today." However, they affirmed that "Dogma's vision and music continue to move forward through the dedication of the current team and the support of our fans."
This response aims to reassure fans that the core values and artistic direction of Dogma remain intact despite personnel changes. It frames the departures as part of an ongoing journey of artistic development.
Dogma's Stated Values
- Authenticity
- Freedom of expression
- Connection through art
The official statement concluded by thanking fans for their continued belief in Dogma. It reiterated, "Dogma was never about who we are, it's about what YOU choose to become…" This phrasing shifts the focus from the individual artists to the audience's experience and interpretation of the band's message.
The Future of Dogma and Fan Engagement
The differing accounts from the former members and the official Dogma entity present a complex situation for fans. The former members assert that the "social networks using the name 'Official Dogma' no longer represent the real band or what we stand for." They believe "the music, the creativity, and the truth are on our side."
This dispute highlights broader questions within the music industry regarding artist rights, band ownership, and fan loyalty. As the situation unfolds, the community will likely watch closely to see how these claims impact the band's future releases and live performances. The call for transparency from the former members could lead to increased scrutiny from the fanbase and the wider music press.