It’s no coincidence that guitarist Jason Richardson has been playing with Chelsea Grin lately. Yesterday, Born Of Osiris announced that they recently parted ways with Richardson, who joined the band in 2009. The band first released the following statement:
“To all of our fans and followers, we have decided to part ways with guitarist Jason Richardson. This was something that just needed to happen. We will be a more creative, energized, and focused unit as a result. The past year was the band’s most successful and we owe it all to our amazing fans. We promise everyone that 2012 will see us take further steps to bringing every aspect of our band to a new level. We couldn’t possibly be more excited for what the future holds.
Also, since the finishing touches were put on The Discovery we’ve already been in the process of writing our next album. The past month and next two we will be home writing and finalizing the record that will be released this Summer/Fall. Big news coming soon regarding our summer touring schedule, we can’t wait to see all of you again soon with some new music to play for you! We will TEMPORARILY be accepting video submissions for the spot at BOOlessons@yahoo.com.”
Shortly after, Born Of Osiris released another statement attempting to clarify things further, saying:
“No reason to tear Jason down for this. He Joined Chelsea Grin after he found out about us moving on without him. WE still love Jason and the rest of the dudes in CG, and wish them the best of luck. The five of us have been and written all three albums thus far, so if you like the direction we took on The Discovery- then you should only be more excited for what we’re about to create next. ♥ BOO”
While Born Of Osiris was trying to make it appear that the departure was on good terms, Richardson (who was also previously in All Shall Perish) wants to make one thing clear: that he was fired. The guitarist issued his own statement via Facebook:
“Just to clarify to everyone I did NOT quit Born of Osiris, I would have never been able to bring myself to do such a thing no matter how much tension was between us. All of those dudes were essentially my family, I lived in the same house as them for over 2 years. This was by no means at all my decision (not that I was involved in the decision in any way shape or form lol). I have been fired from the band because I ‘don’t agree with the way they want to live their lives’ and ‘it felt like their dad was in the band.’ So instead of confronting me about my eeeendless bitching about their excessive drinking and assorted drug abuse they decided that calling me at 1:30 in the morning 4 days before Christmas while I’m home visiting family to tell me that all of my belongings from the new BOO house were in my trailer on the way to me in VA was the professional way to handle it.
So I can say with pride that I will NEVER play another note on stage with the group of cowards that is Born of Osiris. I don’t give a fuck what they think of me for putting their personal stuff out there, I want everyone to see them for who they really are. I’m just happy the truth finally came out and now I know what truly matters to them and it is NOT putting out albums like The Discovery.
On another note I will continuing the rest of my musical endeavors with Chelsea Grin, as we are already really great friends and with the recent loss of their guitar player we were able to make the best out of two very shitty situations. I will be involved with the writing process of their next release which is supposed to be dropped before warped tour this summer. You guys heard how much A Higher Place sucked and what came after it, so get ready for some of the sickest CG you’ve ever heard!!! :D”
So much for a peaceful split. While Richardson claims he’s in Chelsea Grin as their new guitarist, the band has yet to confirm this and their original statement implies that it’s only temporary. Chances are, though, this won’t be the last we hear from both Richardson and the Born Of Osiris camp about the matter.
