Kansas-based death metal band Unmerciful has abruptly canceled its participation in an upcoming North American tour just days before it was scheduled to begin. The band cited the unexpected unavailability of their drummer as the primary reason for the withdrawal, leaving co-headliners Vitriol and Weeping to continue the tour as a two-band bill.
The announcement came as a surprise to fans who were anticipating the tour, which was set to kick off on November 6 in Santa Cruz, California. In a public statement, Unmerciful confirmed they were unable to secure a replacement drummer on such short notice.
Key Takeaways
- Death metal band Unmerciful has withdrawn from their North American tour with Vitriol and Weeping.
- The cancellation was announced just days before the first show, citing the unavailability of drummer Trynt Kelly.
- The band's attempt to find a last-minute replacement drummer was unsuccessful.
- The tour will proceed with Vitriol and Weeping, with all dates remaining as scheduled.
Sudden Announcement Disrupts Plans
The decision to pull out of the tour was made public via the band's social media channels. The statement explained that the situation was entirely unforeseen and left them with no viable options to proceed. The timing of the cancellation presents significant logistical challenges, as tours of this scale are planned months in advance, involving coordination between bands, promoters, and venues across numerous cities.
For fans, the news means a change in the lineup they paid to see. For the band, it represents a missed opportunity to promote their latest album, Devouring Darkness, and connect with their audience on the road. Last-minute cancellations can also have financial repercussions for all parties involved.
The Challenge of Lineup Stability
Touring presents immense challenges for bands, and lineup stability is often a critical factor. Co-headliner Vitriol recently experienced its own roster changes, parting ways with drummer Matt Kilner in July and subsequently recruiting bassist Brett Leier. Such adjustments highlight the fluid nature of band dynamics and the difficulties in maintaining a consistent lineup for demanding road schedules.
A Scramble for a Solution
According to their statement, Unmerciful did not make the decision to cancel lightly. The band actively sought a fill-in drummer to take over duties for the tour. However, the technical proficiency required for their style of death metal made finding a suitable replacement who could learn a full setlist in a matter of days an insurmountable task.
This situation underscores the critical role each member plays, especially in technically demanding genres. A drummer in a death metal band is not just keeping time; they are performing complex patterns and blast beats that are integral to the band's sound and structure. Finding a session musician capable of replicating that performance with minimal rehearsal time proved impossible.
"Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have to cancel our tour with Vitriol and Weeping that we were so looking forward to being a part of. With such short notice, we were not able to find a drummer to fill in for the tour."
Message to Fans and Tour Mates
In their announcement, Unmerciful issued a direct apology to their tour partners, the promoters who booked the shows, and the fans who had purchased tickets. The band expressed their disappointment and frustration with the situation, emphasizing their eagerness to have been part of the tour.
Rather than dwelling on their own setback, the band used the opportunity to show solidarity with the remaining acts. "We apologize to Vitriol, Weeping, the promoters and most of all to our fans," the statement read. They strongly encouraged their followers to still attend the scheduled dates to support the other bands.
The band concluded with a promise to return to the road as soon as possible. "We will be back out on the road to support Devouring Darkness as soon as we possibly can. Make sure and DO NOT miss this tour! Vitriol and Weeping will crush the stage at every show!!"
The Show Must Go On
Despite Unmerciful's departure, the tour is proceeding as planned with Vitriol and Weeping. The tour spans over two dozen dates across the United States and Canada, beginning in early November and concluding in early December.
Vitriol and Weeping Continue Tour
Fans with tickets can rest assured that the tour is not canceled. Vitriol and Weeping will now carry the tour forward, performing a full schedule of dates across North America. The tour route remains unchanged, offering fans a chance to see two prominent bands in the extreme metal scene.
The scheduled tour dates are as follows:
- 11/6 Santa Cruz, CA @ Blue Lagoon
- 11/7 San Luis Obispo, CA @ Humdinger
- 11/8 Los Angeles, CA @ Knucklehead
- 11/9 Phoenix, AZ @ Yucca Tap Room
- 11/10 Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
- 11/12 Dallas, TX @ TX Tea Room
- 11/13 Corpus Christi, TX @ Boozer’s
- 11/14 Houston, TX @ Black Magic
- 11/15 Fort Walton, FL @ Dwntwn Music Hall
- 11/16 Orlando, FL @ Conduit
- 11/18 Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
- 11/19 Asheville, NC @ The Odd
- 11/20 Frederick, MD @ Cafe 611
- 11/21 Queens, NY @ El Bunker Del Diablo
- 11/22 Providence, RI @ Alchemy
- 11/23 Ottawa, ON @ Dominion Tavern
- 11/25 Montreal, QC @ Foufone’s Cabaret
- 11/26 Toronto, ON @ The Baby G
- 11/27 London, ON @ Honey Dip
- 11/28 Detroit, MI @ Sanctuary
- 11/29 Columbus, OH @ Spacebar
- 11/30 Chicago, IL @ Reggies
- 12/2 Denver, CO @ The Roxy
- 12/4 Boise, ID @ Shredder
- 12/5 Seattle, WA @ Substation
- 12/6 Portland, OR @ Twilight
At this time, Unmerciful has not announced any other cancellations, and their other future commitments are expected to remain intact.