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Blubbermouth hat geschrieben:German thrashers DESTRUCTION performed without founding guitarist Michael "Mike" Sifringer on July 16 at the Area 53 Festival in Leoben, Austria.
Earlier today (Friday, July 30), DESTRUCTION frontman Schmier took to his Facebook page to address questions about Mike's absence, writing: "I have received several messages, why we have played with a different guitarist in Austria at Area 53 Festival and I understand your concern. As much as I know, Mike is doing ok. Thanks for writing and asking!" He then clarified: "Well he is not really answering my e mails, communication is difficult at this point. So I m not sure how he is doing.

"There was a problem that lead to the decision to carry on without him for now and there will be a statement in August explaining the situation.

"I am in this weird situation to lead the band in difficult Covid-times and we have been very productive and have already recorded the new album and are fully confident & ready for the festivals coming up.

"Please understand that this is a super difficult situation for me and we will release the statement when all things are sorted and clear. (Planned is August 19th for this) Nevertheless DESTRUCTION will continue to Thrash till Death ...

"Sorry about these uncomfortable news, it was not my decision, he decided to leave the band. Please stay tuned for the official statement ASAP!!!"

Sifringer is the only member of DESTRUCTION to have remained constant throughout the band's career. Schmier appeared on DESTRUCTION's first three albums before leaving the band and being replaced by POLTERGEIST vocalist André Grieder. André's sole recorded appearance with DESTRUCTION was on the "Cracked Brain" album, which came out in 1990. Schmier rejoined DESTRUCTION in 1999.

DESTRUCTION Officially Parts Ways With Founding Guitarist MIKE SIFRINGER, Announces Replacement


German thrash metal veterans DESTRUCTION have officially parted ways with founding guitarist Michael "Mike" Sifringer and have replaced him with Martin Furia. The Argentinian-born, Belgian-based Furia is best known for his work as sound engineer and producer for such bands as NERVOSA and EVIL INVADERS.

DESTRUCTION frontman Schmier commented: "The last two years have been testing times for all of us. We are all sad to announce that Mike has left DESTRUCTION. It all was a shock and hit us hard but nevertheless there was never any doubt that we will continue as a band. We are a strong unit and are proud to welcome our new guitarist, Martin Furia, to the band! Our chemistry is great since Martin has been a part of the DESTRUCTION family for many years now. He is the perfect new man on the axe — the first shows have been a fucking blast!"

Sifringer said: "It's hard to leave a band after 39 years. DESTRUCTION is my life and something like my baby. But somtimes you have to take decisions that hurt. I'm very sad at the moment, but if something doesn't feel right anymore, better stop doing it. Thanks to all former bandmates. I'm very proud about the music we have created together. Cheers to all thrashers out there. Without your support and your passion, DESTRUCTION would not exist. Peace."

Furia stated: "The news is finally out and I have mixed emotions. I'm extremely proud to be part of this legendary band since 2016 as sound technician and tour manager. I've been all over the world with the DESTRUCTION family and they have always treated me like another member of the band.

"I'm sad to see Mike go because I love him and respect him as a person and guitarist, but when I was asked if I would like to be the new guitarist of DESTRUCTION, I didn't hesitate for a second. I feel ready to honor Mike's legacy, to add my own touch and I will give my best to keep the flame of DESTRUCTION burning strong forever, with deep respect and devotion for the past and with full energy and commitment for the future. THRASH TILL DEATH!"

Sifringer was the only member of DESTRUCTION to have remained constant throughout the band's career. Schmier appeared on DESTRUCTION's first three albums before leaving the band and being replaced by POLTERGEIST vocalist André Grieder. André's sole recorded appearance with DESTRUCTION was on the "Cracked Brain" album, which came out in 1990. Schmier rejoined DESTRUCTION in 1999.