Local metal band plays for one last time

 

By Liam Higgins

More than 100 fans filled New Song Church to hear a locally renowned metal band play its last show.

Faithful Unto Death performed at New Song Church Oct. 6. Vocalist James Livingston, bassist Levi Rogers, guitarist Tyler Stenlund and drummer Dylan Sharron have now disbanded after five years of performing together. The band collectively agreed to call it quits after Livingston, 25, was expecting a child and Stenlund, 21, began studying to be a teacher. Although FUD has decided to end things on good terms, Stenlund and Livingston are creating an Ambient Christian band called Depart Returns.

Stenlund said even though the band has officially broken up they still plan to spend time together.

“I live with James in an intentional community house so we kind of have to spend time together or we’ll hate each other,” said Stenlund. “Levi, Dylan and I hang out all the time as a group and grab Acapulco Delight every once in a while.”

According to IC.org, an intentional community house is a term for people residing together who work together towards a common goal.

In previous years, FUD has had different members play in the band. Terry Lesperance, who originally played drums for FUD, left the band over musical differences and original bassist Joshua Bowman was replaced by Rogers, 18, when he left Windsor to attend school.

Long time fan of Faithful Unto Death, Johnny Lopez, has been listening to them since the beginning and said they’ve always supported the music scene and put on great shows.

“I think FUD is one of the bands that has been one of the biggest supporters of the scene with the whole Hardcore Church thing,” said Lopez, 21. “Their music has a very positive message.”

Vocalist from Three Crowns, Brandon Gatten, met FUD two years ago when his band was looking to play shows outside of Kitchener, Ont. Since then they have toured with FUD and have become great friends. Gatten, 24, said whenever FUD or his band was looking for a tour date they could pick up, they’ve always helped each other.

“When you meet friends from out of town, especially in bands, you always do what you what you can to support each other because it’s tough out there,” said Gatten. “It pays to have friends.”

Gatten also said fans’ energy at concerts and listening to FUD’s music was one of the best parts about touring with them.

Although the band has broken up, Stenlund said if an opportunity were to arise in the future that worked with all the members’ schedules, there’s a chance they might play a show again.