Vio-lence have announced the departure of guitarist Ira Black, who is stepping away from the band to focus on his new project, Apocælypse.
The band shared the news on social media, thanking Black for his contributions to Vio-lence and expressing support for his next chapter.
“I would like to give a heartfelt thank you to my brother, Ira Black, for everything he has brought to Vio-Lence and for sharing his incredible talent with us,” the statement reads.
According to the band, Black will now dedicate his full attention to Apocælypse and the release of the group’s debut album, Faenix. Black fronts the new project alongside his son, guitarist Ira Black IV, former Five Finger Death Punch bassist Matt Snell and drummer Lonny Pasillas.
“With that, it is with a heavy heart that I announce Ira Black’s departure from Vio-Lence as he dedicates his full focus to Apocaelypse,” Vio-lence continued.
“Ira, much love and respect to you, brother. I truly believe you are going to achieve great success with this new chapter, and I support you 100 percent. I’m proud of you and excited to see what the future holds. Thank you for everything, Ira.”
Black joined Vio-lence in 2022. His exit marks another lineup change for the veteran Bay Area thrash metal band in recent years, following founding guitarist Phil Demmel’s departure in 2024.
Vio-lence have not yet announced a replacement for Black.
