The world of melodic death metal has been shaken by some major news from The Black Dahlia Murder. The band is undergoing a significant shift, with longtime guitarist Brandon Ellis announcing his departure and frontman Brian Eschbach stepping back temporarily to focus on his health. These changes have also led to the postponement of the band’s upcoming Mexico and South America tour dates.
Brandon Ellis Says Goodbye to The Black Dahlia Murder
Brandon Ellis, who has been a key part of The Black Dahlia Murder since 2016, has officially decided to leave the band. Ellis played an essential role in the band’s recent releases, including their 2020 album Verminous, and was praised for his technical skill and songwriting contributions.
In his farewell statement, Brandon expressed deep gratitude for the time he spent with the band and for the fans who supported them along the way. He reflected on his journey with The Black Dahlia Murder, calling it an “unforgettable chapter” in his life. However, he also acknowledged that it was time for him to move on to new opportunities.
“I’m incredibly proud of the music we created together, and I’ll always cherish the memories we’ve made,” Ellis shared. “This wasn’t an easy decision, but I feel it’s the right time to step away and explore new paths in my musical career. Thank you to my bandmates, the fans, and everyone who has been part of this ride.”
While he hasn’t revealed specific details about his next steps, it’s clear that Ellis will continue making music in some form. Fans will undoubtedly be keeping an eye out for any future projects he may embark on.
Brian Eschbach Prioritizes His Health
Another significant update from the band comes from frontman Brian Eschbach. He revealed that, after an incredibly intense few years both personally and professionally, he needs to take some time to focus on his health. The passing of Trevor Strnad in 2022 was a heavy blow to the band, and since then, they have worked tirelessly to move forward while honoring his legacy.
Eschbach opened up about his struggles, saying, “The last four years have been a whirlwind of challenges, both within the band and in the world at large. It’s been a time of reflection, and I’ve had to take a step back and reassess my priorities. Right now, my health needs to come first. This isn’t a decision I take lightly, but I know it’s necessary.”
Tour Dates Rescheduled
As a result of these changes, The Black Dahlia Murder has postponed their upcoming tour dates in Mexico and South America. The good news is that the shows aren’t canceled—just rescheduled. The band has already set new dates for December 2025, giving them time to regroup and return stronger than ever.
Here are the revised dates for the tour:
- December 4 – Guadalajara, Mexico @ Foro Independencia
- December 5 – Monterrey, Mexico @ Cafe Iguana
- December 6 – Mexico City, Mexico @ Supremo
- December 8 – Bogotá, Colombia @ Ace of Spades
- December 12 – Buenos Aires, Argentina @ Uniclub
- December 14 – São Paulo, Brazil @ Hangar 110
Fans who were eagerly awaiting the shows will have to wait a little longer, but the band reassures everyone that they remain committed to delivering an unforgettable experience when they return to the stage.
What’s Next for The Black Dahlia Murder?
With Ellis’ departure and Eschbach taking time for his health, The Black Dahlia Murder is entering a transitional phase. While no official announcements have been made regarding a new guitarist or any other lineup changes, the band is expected to regroup and continue their legacy.
The metal community has been showing support for both Ellis and Eschbach, wishing them well on their respective journeys. Though these changes might feel uncertain, one thing is clear—The Black Dahlia Murder has overcome challenges before, and their dedicated fanbase will be with them every step of the way.
For now, we send our best wishes to Brandon Ellis in his next chapter and to Brian Eschbach as he takes the time he needs. The future of The Black Dahlia Murder may be shifting, but their impact on the metal scene remains undeniable.
