Destruction have parted ways with founding guitarist Mike Sifringer over ‘personal and musical differences’. Martin Furia has been announced as his replacement and appears on the band’s newly released single, “State Of Apathy“. A music video for that song can be found below.
Addressing the lineup change, Destruction issued the below statement:
“The last two years have been testing times for all of us. We are all sad to announce that Mike has left Destruction. It all was a shock and hit us hard but nevertheless there was never any doubt that we will continue as a band. We are a strong unit and are proud to welcome our new guitarist, Martin Furia, to the band! Our chemistry is great since Martin has been a part of the Destruction family for many years now. He is the perfect new man on the axe – the first shows have been a fucking blast!
‘State Of Apathy‘ shows the direction Destruction will go with the new record: more ‘back-to-the-roots’, more guitars, more in your face! This band is my life and we will always give 100% to keep the spirit alive. I hope you love the new single as much as we do – thanks for all the support! We are wishing Mike the best for his future, for us there is only one way to go THRASH TILL DEATH!”
Sifringer himself commented on his exit:
“It´s hard to leave a band after 39 years. Destruction is my life and something like my baby. But sometimes you have to take decisions that hurt. I´m very sad at the moment, but if something doesn´t feel right anymore, better stop doing it. Thanx to all former bandmates. I´m very proud about the music we have created together. Cheers to all thrashers out there. Without your support and your passion, Destruction would not exist. Peace.”
Speaking of his new role, Martin Furia offered:
“The news is finally out and I have mixed emotions. I’m extremely proud to be part of this legendary band since 2016 as sound technician and tour manager, I’ve been all over the world with the Destruction family and they have always treated me like another member of the band.
I’m sad to see Mike go because I love him and respect him as a person and guitarist, but when I was asked if I would like to be the new guitarist of Destruction I didn’t hesitate for a second. I feel ready to honor Mike’s legacy, to add my own touch and I will give my best to keep the flame of destruction burning strong forever, with deep respect and devotion for the past and with full energy and commitment for the future. THRASH TILL DEATH!”
You can find “State Of Apathy” on leading digital service providers and pick it up on 12″ vinyl here. A live version of “Sign Of Fear” appears as the b-side on that release.
