Thy Art is Murder’s prodigal son C.J. returns to front + release new track

Posted on January 21, 2017 by Paul 'Browny' Brown

You’re not an Australian artist unless you say you’re quitting music, only to make a comeback a short time later (looking at you Farhnsey) but in this case, we’re stoked to hear C.J. McMahon formerly from Thy Art is Murder has now returned to Thy Art is Murder and has brought along with him some new music from the heavy as fuck act.

Guitarist rAndy Marsh explained the whole situation the band was left with when McMahon decided he had enough:

“A little over a year ago, we were left in a pickle when CJ had finally reached his breaking point – the physical, emotional and mental stresses of touring, and the lifestyle had taken its toll on him. After the dust had settled we had time to speak amongst ourselves, and with him, and we were all able to get on the same page.

“He was able to take time off from the road and work consistently, tick off some life goals like getting married, and enjoy the routine and familiarity of life at home with his friends and family.

“Conversely the rest of us kept going, touring relentlessly, playing bigger tours to more people than ever before, going to new countries for the very first time, and had a blast taking a few great vocalists and mates out for the ride with us while we weathered the storm and figured things out. Special thanks must go out to Monte Barnard, Nicholas Arthur, Lochlan Watt, and every other vocalist who took the time to apply in our discrete vocalist auditions.

“After a few months, away from the chaotic life on the road C.J. reached out to us and we started maintaining more regular communication. He mentioned how he had started cleaning up, was focused on working hard and saving for his wedding and enjoying time at home, but he also mentioned he missed the shows, the friends, and us – his band.

“After months of working things out, gaining his voice back, and mending wounded friendships, we are overwhelmed with excitement to announce that we have completed writing for a new record to be released later this year, featuring the one and only Christopher John McMahon. Welcome back C.J.!”

He also gave an insight to new track “No Absolution” which started out as an extra song from their previous release Holy War:

“‘No Absolution‘ is a rich tapestry, intertwined in faith, scripture and doctrine, and a story about the process that we have endured throughout the last year. We recorded this during the session for Holy War but quite simply ran out of time to finish writing lyrics and recording vocals for it to make the record. This song now stands alone, without a record or release – a gift from us to you, thank you for your continued support, we can’t wait to show you what we’re making for 2017.”

Its not hard to see these guys are one of the hardest working deathcore acts in the country and it’d very exciting to see they’re all back and ready to take on what the world throws at them next. Your taste of the stand alone song is below, but expect big things from the band when they release their new album via Nuclear Blast later this year!

Browny (@brownypaul)