Malevolent Creation have parted ways with their bassist Jesse Jolly and guitarist Chris Cannella. It would appear that the death metal outfit didn’t end their relationship with those two members on positive terms, with the pair apparently being fired from the band. An initial statement shared yesterday, October 26th, from the band read:
“Malevolent Creation bassist Jesse Jolly and guitarist Chris Cannella are no longer members of the bands touring lineup. During rehearsals for our now complete Latin American Tour it was apparent there services as live musicians were not needed. The core members Ronnie Parmer (drums) Deron Miller (vocals, guitar) and band founder and guitarist Philip Fasciana were going in one direction and Jesse and Chris were going into another.
Everything is still going on schedule for the recording of the bands 14th studio album “Return Fire” and all future touring plans for 2027 – 2028 are still in the works. Our new bassist will be named shortly and we remain a 4 piece band again (Having a 3rd guitarist for live shows was a bad mistake) We wish Jesse & Chris all the best for the future and are not going to talk down on them as it simply was not working out.
We have a lot of touring plans for 2027-2028 and we couldn’t go any further with Chris & Jesse. MC prides themselves on there live performances and we need to keep the future live shows to be as powerful as possible. We do have some great bassists in mind and have not made a decision yet on who will be the right one for the job. If you are a great bassist and believe you have what it takes you can send in a video of yourself to [email protected].
The MC Tank continues to roll and cannot wait to finish up work on our new album and continue touring for the next few years. Hope everyone understands that at times change is need to continue to the levels as expected when playing live. And, once again all the best with Jesse & Chris‘s and they’re future endeavors.
Ronnie, Deron and Phil show no signs of slowing down and our new album comes first and live performances will start up again in early 2027.”
The group’s co-founding guitarist Phil Fasciana has since followed up today, October 27th, with the below post, issuing a challenge to Cannella:
“My offer to Mr. Chris Cannella is to pick any song from the setlist we were playing live with him and make a video of himself playing a song from start to finish without any mistakes and i will personally give him $1,000. He has till Friday to prove himself. This will clear up any questions as to why he was fired from the band and why Jesse Jolly had to go as well. Come on Chris, prove me wrong and collect $1,000! The clock is ticking!
Phil“
In the subsequent comments, Fasciana went on to say of that challenge:
“This is the easiest way to explain to people why we could not continue with Chris. It’s only 1 of the many reasons and the most important. No band would ever allow someone to join there band if one of there members could not play the bands songs. It’s unnatural!!”
Cannella said of his dismissal on social media yesterday, October 27th:
“As as of today I am no longer a part of Malevolent Creation. No mudslinging but IYKYK!”
Jolly meanwhile offered more insight, alleging Fasciana had created a toxic environment in the band. Jolly‘s statement was issued yesterday as well and read:
“It is with sincere regret to all the amazing fans, friends and family that I’ve met over the past 3yrs, while working with Malevolent Creation, that I am announcing my immediate departure. Though my time was short with mc, there were/are elements within the band (phil) that are far too toxic for me to tolerate any longer.
I don’t plan on laying out a ton of specifics; but I only want to say that I tried my very best to deliver every night for the fans. My heart breaks for what could have been, but I promise to see you all again, soon! I feel a great sense of relief that I will never share the stage with someone who has such vitriol for those who only try to help.
From promoters, tour managers, stage crew, long-time fans and, yes, even we as his bandmates have endured unspeakably absurd mood-swings from the aforementioned toxic element. I will no longer personally witness the abuse handed down by someone who hardly deserves the pleasure of performing for the very people who made it all possible. (You.) I love you all, for your kindness and support. Until next we meet”
Malevolent Creation have had a long history of lineup turbulence. Fasciana meanwhile, mixed alcohol with prescription medication on the road last year, leaving him unable to finish out the band’s touring. He issued this apology in response to his bandmates, which included Cannella and Jolly.
