Amidst surprise reunion announcements, new album reveals, and anticipation for a bustling year of tours, there’s also been a sprinkle of drama and potential mysteries. Contrasting our previous list of member departures, this roundup includes the events that surround the group Escuela Grind and more. Here are five bands who’ve announced member departures or welcomed new additions to the fold.

01) Fleshgod Apocalypse part ways with bassist Paolo Rossi 

Photo Credit/Artwork: Francesco Esposito

The aftermath of the covid-pandemic continues as Fleshgod Apocalypse bassist Paolo Rossi has made the difficult decision to leave the band. The reason is scheduling conflicts after landing a new job during the time of uncertainty. Fleshgod have decided to move forward as a five piece with vocalist Francesco Paoli taking on bass duties and soprano vocalist Veronica Bordacchini doing all clean vocals. The 2024 lineup now consist of: Paoli, Francesco Ferrini (piano), Eugene Ryabchenko (drums), Fabio Bartoletti (guitar), and Bordacchini (soprano + clean vocals). 

Rossi has been with the group since the band’s 2007 inception, and featured in all albums from 2009’s Oracles up to 2019’s Veleno. This marks another significant change to the group since 2017 when Tommaso Riccardi (vocals) and guitarist/vocalist Cristiano Trionfera left the group, bringing Paoli, who was the original vocalist, off drum duties and back on vocals and guitar. We’re curious how this direction will go for the Italian symphonic metal outfit, as it’s already been slowly changing with adding more soprano vocals. Fleshgod are a strong unit, which was shown during the pandemic seeing the many steps Paoli took to regain his strength and return to the stage following his rock climbing incident. While Rossi leaving does present a significant change, we’re certain the group will make the best of it as they always do.  

The band issued the following statement as well as leaving the above artwork as a farewell to Rossi and transitional piece moving towards their next chapter. 

“We’d never thought this moment would come but, after twenty years of friendship and collaboration, Paolo decided to change his life’s path and take a step back from the band.
The pandemic turned out being an extremely tough challenge for everyone, especially musicians. After trying everything possible to cling to the music business without “shortcuts”, Paolo found another job that, although outside our field, was a great opportunity for him and granted stability during those turbulent times.
When life started getting back to normal, allowing us to play live shows again, we encountered many difficulties in making his new commitments coexist with our touring schedule.
Paolo tried really hard for over a year to make it happen, even involving temporary replacements like Ludovico Cioffi (Delain), who we thank a lot for his help, but unfortunately these were not the necessary conditions to make it all work.
Therefore, he took the tough decision to step down from his role in Fleshgod Apocalypse.
He will always remain part of our family.
Moving forward, the band will remain a five piece unit, with Francesco taking on bass duties and Veronica now handling all clean vocals.
We support his decision and we invite you all to join us in wishing him and his family all the best.
As a last gift to our fans, we decided to portrait this transition with a piece of art, through the capable hands of visionary Italian photographer Francesco Esposito, who created the masterpiece you can see here.
Paolo will always be with us, we wouldn’t be where we stand today without his contribution.
Thank you all for your constant love and support, see you on the road.

Francesco,
Veronica,
Paolo,
Francesco,
Fabio,
Eugene”