Brandon Ellis Departs The Black dahlia Murder: A New Journey Begins
Brandon Ellis has officially announced his exit from The Black Dahlia Murder after an notable nine-year tenure as the band’s lead guitarist.
The renowned melodic death metal outfit had recently postponed their upcoming tour dates in Mexico and South america due to health concerns surrounding vocalist Brian Eschbach. However, Ellis took to social media to confirm his departure from the band, marking the end of an era.
In his heartfelt Instagram post, he stated, “I have recently parted ways with The Black Dahlia Murder. I am incredibly thankful for the nine years I spent with this legendary band and for the unique prospect to create music alongside the iconic Trevor Strnad.”
He continued, “I take pride in my contributions to the band’s legacy and all that we have achieved together. Sadly, the moment has arrived for me to close this chapter and embark on a new one. I extend my gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support throughout the years, and I wish the band all the best in their future endeavors.”
Ellis, who first gained recognition with the American death metal band Arsis, stepped in to replace Ryan Knight in 2016. During his nearly decade-long journey with The Black Dahlia Murder, he played a pivotal role in the creation of three albums, two of which featured the band’s original vocalist, Trevor Strnad, who tragically passed away in 2022.
Their latest album, Servitude, released last year, also saw Knight rejoin the band, but their dual guitar collaboration was short-lived, lasting only for that one album.
Throughout his time with The Black Dahlia Murder,Ellis has seen his profile rise substantially within the music community. This has led to the creation of some remarkable gear, including a stunning 27-fret Gold Crackle Jackson Kelly, which is regarded as a challenging custom build for Jackson’s luthiers.
Additionally, he launched his signature Seymour Duncan pickup, the Dyad, a uniquely designed bridge humbucker that features an inverted orientation.
In response to Ellis’ departure, the band released an official statement expressing their gratitude: “We want to thank Brandon Ellis for his nine years of dedication and wish him the best in all his future pursuits.”
The guitar community has rallied around Ellis,with notable figures like Misha Mansoor expressing excitement for his next chapter,while Angel Vivaldi echoed similar sentiments. Prog legend Jake Howsam Lowe also took a moment to thank him for his meaningful contributions to the band’s impressive catalog.
As of now,Ellis’ future plans remain uncertain. Though,given his esteemed reputation as a talented musician and producer,along with his keen insight into gear,he is sure to have numerous opportunities ahead.
