Exhorder have officially announced the departure of their longtime drummer, Sasha Horn. Stepping away to focus on his personal life, he will be temporarily replaced on the band’s upcoming tour by Corey Pierce of God Forbid. A permanent replacement has not yet been named.
Earlier today, Exhorder released the following statement via social media: “After more than eight years as the drummer for Exhorder, Sasha Horn has decided to step away for the time being from the daily rock lifestyle to focus on his personal life.”
The band clarified that the lineup change will not disrupt their immediate schedule. “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.”
Looking toward the future, Exhorder added: “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.”
Addressing his departure, Sasha Horn commented: “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.
