We were big fans of Beastmilk’s 2013 album, Climax. While it was a little more post-punk than metal, the  band boasted Mat “Kvohst” who’s played in death metal bands like Hexvessel and Code. At any rate, Beastmilk is a thing of the past, as they’ve changed their name to Grave Pleasures and recruited a new guitarist, Juho Vanhanen. Band co-founder Johan “Goatspeed” Snell is no longer in the  band. Here’s what they had to say about the change:

Sadly, due to irreconcilable differences, we have parted ways with our co-founder, guitarist and friend Johan “goatspeed” Snell.  We ask you to understand that both sides did absolutely everything they could to make things work, but were unable to find a way to continue together. We all wish Johan the very best, but the show must go on.

Given these circumstances Beastmilk will continue to forge ahead, but will assume the new identity of Grave Pleasures.
The band is on atomic fire, with a new album and new members in our ranks. We look forward to seeing you at all of the shows, where we will play your favourite Beastmilk tracks, alongside brand new material from the forthcoming album. We’ll continue to update you here about all our new exciting plans.

Those new changes include the jump to an as yet unnamed major label. They’ll be recording the follow-up to Climax in May, and it will be out in September. Here’s Grave Pleasures’ press release:

The Finnish band formerly known as Beastmilk, shall now go under the name of Grave Pleasures, following the departure of co-founding member Johan “goatspeed” Snell.

Given the circumstances Beastmilk will continue, but under the new guise of Grave Pleasures.
Along with the name change, new live/studio guitarist Juho Vanhanen (Oranssi Pazuzu) has joined the band, while guitarist Snell departs the ranks.

Juho V. is welcomed into Grave Pleasures by frontman Kvohst, bassist Arino and guitarist Linnea Olsson (The Oath, Sonic Ritual) who joined the band earlier in 2014.

The band can also reveal that they will be signing a major label deal and that they will go into the studio in May with producer Tom Dalgety (Royal Blood, Killing Joke ) with the album set for release in September, followed by a European tour.

Singer and Climax song-writer Mat “Kvohst” says of the name and lineup change “The lineup has never been stronger! We’re really excited to perform material from the forthcoming album and classic songs from Climax. The name might change, but the songs and the performance will be better than ever.”

You can discover your new Grave Pleasures live at these shows where the band will perform new and classic Beastmilk hits:

May 29-31, Der Ring Grüne Hölle Rock, Nürburgring, Germany

May 29-31, Rockavaria, Olympiapark, München, Germany

June 3-6, Sweden Rock Festival, Sölvesborg, Sweden

June 19-21, Hellfest, Clisson, France

Aug 29, Beyond the Gates IV, Bergen, Norway

Many more shows to be announced soon!

Grave Pleasures Lineup:
Kvohst – Vocals
Arino – bass
Olsson – guitar
Vanhanen – guitar (live/studio)