THY ART IS MURDER // Celebrate CJ’s Return with ‘No Absolution’

Rejoice, Thy Art Is Murder fans—OG vocalist CJ McMahon is BACK, and he’s brought a new song No Absolution with him to help celebrate his return. Listen below:

Guitarist Andy Marsh tells the story of CJ’s departure and return in a statement:

“A little over a year ago, we were left in a pickle when CJ had finally reached his breaking point—the physical, emotional and mental stresses of touring, and the lifestyle had taken its toll on him. After the dust had settled we had time to speak amongst ourselves, and with him, and we were all able to get on the same page.

“He was able to take time off from the road and work consistently, tick off some life goals like getting married, and enjoy the routine and familiarity of life at home with his friends and family.

“Conversely the rest of us kept going, touring relentlessly, playing bigger tours to more people than ever before, going to new countries for the very first time, and had a blast taking a few great vocalists and mates out for the ride with us while we weathered the storm and figured things out. Special thanks must go out to Monte Barnard, Nicholas Arthur, Lochlan Watt, and every other vocalist who took the time to apply in our discrete vocalist auditions.

“After a few months, away from the chaotic life on the road CJ reached out to us and we started maintaining more regular communication. He mentioned how he had started cleaning up, was focused on working hard and saving for his wedding and enjoying time at home, but he also mentioned he missed the shows, the friends, and us—his band.

“After months of working things out, gaining his voice back, and mending wounded friendships, we are overwhelmed with excitement to announce that we have completed writing for a new record to be released later this year, featuring the one and only Christopher John McMahon. Welcome back CJ!”

In reply, CJ says “I was a drug addict, I was a broke musician, and I had some fucking issues. I got married, I did some fucking soul searching, and now I’m back to take over the world with my fucking brothers.”

Andy also gives background to the new single, No Absolution: ‘No Absolution’ is a rich tapestry, intertwined in faith, scripture and doctrine, and a story about the process that we have endured throughout the last year. We recorded this during the session for Holy War but quite simply ran out of time to finish writing lyrics and recording vocals for it to make the record. This song now stands alone, without a record or release—a gift from us to you, thank you for your continued support, we can’t wait to show you what we’re making for 2017.”

Thy Art Is Murder’s most recent album, 2015’s Holy War, climbed to #82 on the Billboard 200 chart and reached #7 on the ARIA Album Charts.

The single is out now via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. It’s available through iTunes, Spotify and other leading digital music platforms.

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Disclosure: CJ McMahon is co-host of The Hard Noise Podcast, presented by Hysteria Media.