After twelve years creating music beloved by a loyal fanbase across the world, today In Hearts Wake announce the departure of long-time bassist and vocalist, Kyle Erich.
In conjunction with today’s news, In Hearts Wake have also announced that they will tour Australia with Erich for the last time this September, giving fans the opportunity to share in an important closing chapter for the band. And also alongside this announcement, In Hearts Wake deliver a brand new track, fittingly titled Farewell; a poignant cap put on Erich’s time with the band, laced with emotional tension and catharsis.
Though Erich’s departure signifies a dynamic shift for In Hearts Wake, their split has been amicable; both are anticipating bright futures as they continue on separate paths. After going through the motions of any break-up –– from sadness and heartbreak, through to acceptance –– In Hearts Wake and Erich are now ready to celebrate with the release of Farewell and their upcoming final run of headline shows together.
The process of creating Farewell doubled as a healthy way of processing Erich’s impending departure from the band; a moment for him to be involved in his exit in a way that perfectly put a pin in his time with his bandmates. It is this very reason Farewell has a spirit of closure to it, because this is exactly what it represents: a beautiful, monumental chapter coming to an close for Erich and In Hearts Wake alike.
As his melodies and vocals soar, the heartfelt weight of his final message is as much for the In Hearts Wake fans, as it is for his bandmates.
Hailing from Byron Bay and now one of the leading acts in the Australian heavy scene, In Hearts Wake first roared into view via their 2012 debut album Divination; a tarot-inspired release, praised for its memorable breakdowns, melodic hooks, taut execution and a sea of features. Remaining a fan-favourite to this day, Divination peaked at #27 on the ARIA Charts, setting the stage for a horde of headline shows, international tours, appearances at Soundwave Festival and beyond for In Hearts Wake.
Now in command of five hard-hitting albums, including 2014’s Earthwalker, 2015’s Skydancer, 2017’s Ark and 2020’s Kaliyuga, In Hearts Wake also fuse themes of social and environmental justice into their palpitating brand of metalcore, with multiple Top 5 ARIA debuts, millions of streams and fans across the globe.
Recently appearing at UNIFY Off The Record in 2023 and wowing audiences across Australia with their Decade Of Divination tour last year, In Hearts Wake are set to celebrate and farewell their journey to date with Erich this September with what is guaranteed to be a poignant and unforgettable run that spans Newcastle, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.
Ultimately, to honour Erich’s imprint on In Hearts Wake, clear and evident since the debut In Hearts Wake album, the seminal Divination, the only way the group could convey such a whirlwind of emotions was through a dose of new music that captured everything about the In Hearts Wake spirit: brutality, passion and catharsis.
We adore Kyle and appreciate every contribution he’s made to our band and our lives. 12 years of laughs, gigs and singalongs. He’s an amazing person and we will miss having him around as In Hearts Wake continues to forge ahead.
While we were saddened and heart broken by the news at first, we all knew that what was right for Kyle was right for us. We all support his decision and can’t wait to celebrate him and bring closure to his journey with the band.
We will have more In Hearts Wake news in a couple of weeks, but for now lets celebrate our man Kyle Erich and all the amazing moments we’ve had together
– Jake, Ben, Eaven & Conor
It’s hard to put into words how impactful and fulfilling my journey with In Hearts Wake has been. I honestly feel so lucky to have been a part of In Hearts Wake and everything it has become over the years. The places we’ve been, the bands/people who have supported us and all the incredible moments that I’ll never forget. To be honest, I never really thought that music could bring so much joy to my life and I owe so much to my brothers in the band for seeing something in me that I didn’t even know I had.
The life of a touring musician is incredible and honestly I wouldn’t change a thing about my last twelve years with In Hearts Wake. That being said, this life does require a lot of sacrifice and now as a father those choices are more complicated and much harder to make. Being in the industry for as long as I have, I know you need to give 100% to make it work and I’m at a point now where that’s not something I’m able to give. In my eyes that would be a disservice to the band and to all our fans who have supported us over the years.
Farewell will be my last song with the band and it was a very difficult song to write. Despite this being the right decision for me it’s been so hard to let go of something that’s been such a massive part of my life. The Australian tour this September will be my last tour as part of the band and although bitter sweet, its going to be a farewell tour to remember.
From the bottom of my heart I want to thank anyone who has come to a show, said hello to me in the street or played with us on stage. You have truly changed my life forever. Jake, Ben, Eaven, and Conor I love you guys and I can’t wait to see where In Hearts Wake goes from here.
See you down the road!
https://ihw.lnk.to/farewell
IN HEARTS WAKE
TOUR DATES:
THURSDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2024 – KING STREET BANDROOM, NEWCASTLE 18+
FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2024 – LIBERTY HALL, SYDNEY 18+
SATURDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2024 – THE TIVOLI, BRISBANE 18+
THURSDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2024 – THE FORUM, MELBOURNE 18+
FRIDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2024 – THE GOV, ADELAIDE 18+
SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2024 – MAGNET HOUSE, PERTH 18+
Tickets from inheartswake.com
