Exhorder frontman Kyle Thomas recently offered a deeper look into the departure of longtime drummer Sasha Horn. Following an official statement from the heavy metal band confirming that the percussionist stepped away to “focus on his personal life”, the vocalist shared his thoughts on the amicable split during a fresh interview with “Metal Horror Madman.” To keep their upcoming tour dates intact, the group has tapped Corey Pierce of God Forbid to temporarily fill the vacancy behind the kit, while the search for a permanent replacement continues.
Reflecting on the situation, the singer explained that the lineup change was the result of a long personal journey rather than sudden backstage drama.
“It’s been coming for some time, but it finally came to a head, I think after this last tour. I feel like Sasha‘s kind of just been in a state of flux for maybe even a couple years now, trying to figure out who he is and what he’s doing. I don’t wanna get too, too into the personal side of it for him, because that’s his story to tell, not mine. But what an amazing drummer he is. I swear, the only person maybe that I’ve seen hit [the drums] harder than him was Reed Mullin [late Corrosion of Conformity drummer], and Reed Mullin was a lot bigger than Sasha. So it’s amazing, his ability and talent. But I just feel like the guy isn’t himself and doesn’t… I think he’s come to the point where he’s ready to find himself and focus on his family. He’s got a daughter, he’s got parents that are not getting any younger. So I think he’s just been doing this for so long, I think he just feels like maybe there’s something else. I think he wants to maybe even go to school. Here’s a guy who’s turning 50 this year, and I guess just saying, ‘Maybe I just need a relaunch of myself, just a kind of reset.’ And I’m a huge fan of that. I did that when I was in Alabama Thunderp**sy. I came home broke from a five-week tour where I had strep throat almost the entire tour. And my kids were little. They were missing me. I couldn’t pay my bills. And I just took a look and I said, ‘I can’t do this. I cannot tour like this anymore. I have to raise my children.’ And so I put all of that on pause for 10 years until my children were adults. And by that point, they don’t need you around, much less want you around all the time. I had their blessing, though. They were, like, ‘Dad, you got an opportunity. Go get your brass ring.’ And I love that. So family comes first always. I’m 100% in support of that aspect of Sasha making his decision,” Thomas said (as transcribed by Blabbermouth).
To make sure fans understood there was no animosity, he quickly dismissed any rumors of internal conflict.
“This wasn’t a bad parting. We’ve had bad partings in this band, trust me. And this is not one of them.”
When the topic shifted to their new touring drummer, the frontman detailed why the God Forbid veteran was the perfect fit to honor the band’s classic material.
“We talked with a handful of people and watched videos of them, and everybody that we talked with and evaluated would’ve done an amazing job, I think. But — I don’t know —I think the thing that really sealed it for me with Corey, aside from the fact that he’s got a pedigree; he’s the only drummer that God Forbid ever had. I asked him, I said, ‘Are you the only drummer that God Forbid‘s ever had?’ He said, ‘Trust me, I’ve tried to hand that job off, and no one wants it and no one would let me.’ But he comes from the same background as our original drummer, Chris Nail. They’re both marching-band guys, drum corps, accomplished jazz-style players that read sheet music. Corey told me he was teaching drum corps at 14 years old. So, the fact that he is 100% from the same background that our original guy was — ’cause Sasha was not; that was not the type of drummer Sasha was. Sasha was more of a basher, punk-style drummer. [He was] very skilled, could do the things that were required in this band, but he did not play in the kind of traditional style that our original drummer played. So, it was an adaptation, but it worked. And it just adds a different flavor, I think. But I feel like with Corey, it’s going to be probably a little bit more true to what the original drum parts were, perhaps. I don’t know. We have rehearsals starting next week, so we shall see. It’s kind of a mystery to everybody right now. But I spoke with Corey on the phone, and we text and stuff. I like him so far. And he just sounds like a super pro, organized, dedicated dude. I know Doc Coyle from God Forbid, and as far as I see it, if Doc plays in the band with this guy for this many years, then he’s gotta be good people. Because I really respect the s**t out of Doc. But Corey‘s been great, man. He’s funny. He’s a smart guy, and he’s basically been telling me he’s playing drums, like, three hours a day right now getting the set prepared. That’s dedication. ‘Cause I’m not playing the guitar three hours a day, I can tell you that.”
The initial news of the split was shared directly with fans through official channels. The band formally announced that the departing percussionist had “decided to step away for the time being from the daily rock lifestyle to focus on his personal life.”
Exhorder‘s official update further clarified their immediate plans on the road.
“This decision does not impact our touring plans in any way, as we have been fortunate enough to secure the help of God Forbid legend Corey Pierce. Corey will join us on ‘The Tour Of Unsound Minds‘ this coming month, so we are in good hands! We are excited to jam with Corey, and to bring our live show back to the eastern states for the first time in 2026.”
The group also confirmed that they are gearing up for their next studio project after successfully promoting their most recent album.
“As we have finally completed a two-year touring cycle of Defectum Omnium, our canvas is clear and we are excited about following up with our fifth album’s writing process. The search for a permanent drummer is underway. All of our best to Sasha in his journey, and we thank him for the time, contributions, and sacrifices he made alongside us for all of these years. Best of luck and nothing but love from us moving forward.”
Taking the opportunity to address the heavy metal community directly, the outgoing drummer offered a heartfelt message regarding his shifting priorities.
“After eight and a half years, two albums, and countless touring cycles, it is time for me to permanently step away from my position at Exhorder. All things have come to that split in the path. Best wishes to the guys moving forward. As for myself, I am in search of more time with family, continuing education, and a focus on my own personal creative endeavors.”
“So much love to all of my fans,” he continued. “You mean the world to me. I shall see you again when I’m back out in it. This is not a farewell, this is a time-out.”
Exhorder‘s fourth full-length album, Defectum Omnium, was released in March 2024 via Nuclear Blast Records. Featuring 12 tracks with ominous cover artwork by Travis Smith (Katatonia, Opeth), the record followed their critically revered 2019 comeback, Mourn The Southern Skies.
The album was partially recorded at Fat Track Studio in Cincinnati, Ohio, with engineer Rob Nadler. It notably marked the band’s first release featuring former Cannibal Corpse guitarist Pat O’Brien, who made his live debut with the group at the 2022 Maryland Deathfest.
That 2022 festival performance occurred three months after guitarist Marzi Montazeri left the group. At the time, the remaining members—vocalist Kyle Thomas, bassist Jason VieBrooks, and Sasha Horn—assured supporters they would continue to thrive despite moving in different directions.
Kyle Thomas currently stands as the sole remaining founding member of Exhorder, a band that originally made waves with their 1990 debut, Slaughter In The Vatican. In February 2020, the group also parted ways with original guitarist Vinnie LaBella, who was a primary songwriter for Mourn The Southern Skies.
