Nik Nocturnal, a prominent guitarist, musician, and a mainstay of the online metal community for over a decade, announced on May 21, 2025, that he is taking an indefinite break from creating and uploading content. Citing the need to focus on “important real-life stuff” and to “reconnect with myself,” Nocturnal shared the news in a farewell video on his YouTube channel and via social media, while also gifting fans a new EP, The Lost Chapters.
After 11 years of consistent content creation, which included everything from guitar covers and hilarious skits to his popular Twitch stream, Nik Nocturnal explained his decision to step back. He admitted to often using content creation to avoid processing difficult personal circumstances. “I’ve never actually taken the time to not just burn,” Nocturnal shared in his video. “I should have taken a second and stopped. But as I got older I think what I realized the most is it’s okay to take time.” He elaborated that after years of keeping up with the demanding pace of online content, he felt it was time to “figure out what’s next for me.”
In a heartfelt message to his supporters, Nocturnal wrote: “Thank you to everyone who has ever shown support to the channel or the amazing community we’ve built over the years. Whether you watched one video or stuck with me for a decade, you’ve been a part of something I’ll never forget. This channel changed my life, and so did many of you. For now, I’m stepping away to reconnect with myself and figure out what comes next.”
As a parting gesture, Nik Nocturnal released The Lost Chapters EP, now available on streaming platforms. He described it as “a special 2000s metalcore throwback EP (with some modern spice) featuring legendary bands including: All That Remains, Darkest Hour, Caliban, Bury Tomorrow and The Ghost Inside.”
The announcement of his hiatus was met with an outpouring of support from across the metal community, with fellow musicians and content creators praising his contributions and wishing him well.
Brian Storm of Rock Feed commented, “Nik, you have brought so much joy and good vibes to all of us… We will all be here whenever you return brother.” Kasey Karlsen, vocalist for Deadlands and a content creator, wrote, “Thank you for always doing the most for us and this community. When/if you decide to come back we’ll be here.” Of Mice & Men singer Aaron Pauley added: “Best of luck in your next endeavors. Thank you for your part in keeping the scene alive and thriving! All the love brother.”
Many other notable figures, including Telle Smith of The Word Alive (“Thank you for all the years of support… See you soon”), Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil (“You rule, thank you for having me as part of the journey, too”), Chris Fronzak of Attila (“You were always a real one”), and Ola Englund, guitarist for The Haunted and a fellow YouTuber (“Your tempo and work ethic is something I truly respect. Best of luck!”), also shared messages of support. Further well wishes came from artists like Shavo Odadjian of System of a Down, Keith Wallen of Breaking Benjamin, the band All That Remains, and Mark Holcomb of Periphery.
