Dawn of Ashes Split: Volkar Kael and Othuum Leave Band

Big changes are afoot in the Dawn of Ashes camp. Guitarist Volkar Keel and bassist Othuum have both left the band, with vocalist Kristof Bathory taking over the helm of the ship. Things appear to be amicable and the split seems to be a result of a change in musical vision, which is not uncommon in extreme metal bands.

According to Metal Underground, the Bathory issued a statement about the status of the band, which intimated that DOA would be returning to an earlier style. It read as follows:

"I will officially be taking over Dawn of Ashes as my solo band. Bahemoth & Rayne will still be in the band with a whole new live line up. I appreciate the hard work that Volkar & Othuum did for this band but it's time that DOA to go back to its roots with a new feeling that I will be provoking. Stay Tuned! Cheers to Volkar & Othuum again!"

The singer was not the only one to speak out about the split. Volkar and Othuum also offered their side of the story. Can we just say we love their metal names? They sound like they were born and raised in Scandinavia when they are in fact from Los Angeles!

The departing members issued the following comment, letting fans know they will be launching a new project called ALAL:

"Fans, Friends, Vile,

Our time with Dawn Of Ashes has been quite a ride. Writing and performing for you has been such a reward.

However it is time that we moved on to other ventures. It is with no ill blood that we depart from DOA, we simply no longer feel we share the same vision or views as the other half of what was Dawn of Ashes.

We will be continuing to make music for you, and hope that many of you, including our 'Vile' will follow. We take this time now to announce our new project 'ALAL.' ALAL is the combined vision and sound of Volkar Kael and Othuum. The word 'ALAL' is Sumerian for 'Destroyer' which is most fitting for what we will be bringing your way.

Thank you for all of your support, and we hope to see many of you spreading the word for things to come!"

Dawn of Ashes formed in Los Angeles in 2001 and at first played an extreme form of dance music commonly called EBM (Electric Body Music). In 2009, the band released a statement stating that they would be moving into the metal scene. Their third album, 2010's Genocide Chapters, was released by Metal Blade Records. Dawn of Ashes supported the record with a tour opening for black metal giants Dimmu Borgir. The group released an EP entitled Farewell to the Flesh in early 2012.