The current lineup of Portland technical death metal outfit Vitriol has dissolved in dramatic fashion, with three members quitting the band mid-tour and allegedly abandoning founding frontman Kyle Rasmussen at a service station in Vermont.
Guitarist Keith Merrow, who joined the group earlier this year, took to social media to announce the sudden mass exodus. In a scathing statement posted to his Instagram story, Merrow revealed that he, along with bassist Brett Leier and drummer Andy Vincenzetti, had reached their breaking point following a series of confrontations with Rasmussen.
The split appears to be acrimonious and immediate, effectively ending the band’s current North American run. Merrow‘s statement suggests that the decision was a direct result of Rasmussen‘s behavior on the road.
“HE F**KED AROUND AND FOUND OUT. I’LL BE HOME FOR THANKSGIVING, BABY,” Merrow wrote (as reported by Lambgoat). “SORRY VITRIOL FANS. WE HAD TO ABANDON HIM AT A GAS STATION IN VERMONT. MYSELF, ANDY, BRETT, AND MATT WILL NOT TAKE KYLE‘S COWARDLY AND WEAK OUTBURSTS OF MISPLACED ANGER. WE GAVE EVERYTHING WE HAD, AND NOW HAVE NOW LEFT YOU WITH NOTHING. MASS EXODUS. THIS WAS THE DARKEST DAY OF MY MUSIC CAREER TO DATE.”
This incident marks the second time in recent years that Vitriol has faced significant personnel issues mid-cycle. The band has experienced frequent lineup turnover, with Rasmussen often left as the sole consistent member. Earlier in 2025, previous members had also departed, leading to the recruitment of Merrow, Leier, and Vincenzetti to stabilize the lineup for this tour.
Rasmussen has yet to issue an official statement addressing the allegations or the status of the band’s remaining tour dates. Vitriol was currently on the road with support act Weeping, with shows scheduled through early December. Given the circumstances, the fate of these performances is now in serious doubt.
Vitriol Remaining 2025 Tour Dates (Status Uncertain)
- 11/25 – Montreal, QC – Foufone’s Cabaret
- 11/26 – Toronto, ON – The Baby G
- 11/27 – London, ON – Honey Dip
- 11/28 – Detroit, MI – Sanctuary
- 11/29 – Columbus, OH – Spacebar
- 11/30 – Chicago, IL – Reggies
- 12/02 – Denver, CO – The Roxy
- 12/04 – Boise, ID – Shredder
- 12/05 – Seattle, WA – Substation
- 12/06 – Portland, OR – Twilight
Photo credit: Peter Beste
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