Former Trivium drummer Alex Bent has opened up about his amicable departure from the band earlier this year, revealing that he has no intentions of ending his music career any time soon.
Earlier this year, drummer Alex Bent surprise announced his departure from Trivium just hours before they were set to perform at Aftershock Festival.
Sepultura drummer Greyson Nekrutman would briefly step in for the remainder of Trivium’s remaining tour dates. The Florida-based metal band would announce Alex Rüdinger as Bent’s official replacement for future tour dates.
Now, in a new interview with Metal Drummers United, Bent has revealed more details about his departure and shared that he has no intention of stepping back from a career in music.
Bent would reflect on the public reaction to his joining the band nine years ago, saying, “I remember when I first joined [Trivium], it was, like, ‘Gosh, another drummer? Really?’
“But people that I met ended up becoming friends for life. So I appreciate every single fan that’s come out to the shows, that, even to this day, books lessons with me or wants a signed stick or wants to do [interviews] like this, man. I really appreciate it, man.
“And just know I’m not going anywhere, man. I’m never planning on stopping. I don’t have a backup plan. That’s how I’ve always been since high school. I remember counsellors would be, like, ‘Well, what are you gonna do? You can’t just bank on this music thing.’ And I’m, like, ‘Nope. That’s exactly what I’m gonna do.’ So I’m not going anywhere, man. So anybody [who] supports me, I love you. I appreciate you guys, and I’m looking forward to the future, whatever that will be.”
The drummer would also dismiss claims that he left the band over wanting to slow down and move away from a tour cycle: “There’s nothing locked in stone. I don’t have anything… I’m happy with where I’m at, but I want to get back on the road, for sure. So, yeah, I think a lot of people are under the assumption that I’m trying to slow down or something, and that’s not the case at all.
“I feel like I’m just getting started. So I would love to just continue working with the bands. I’m a free agent, and that’s the first time I’ve been a free agent in almost 10 years. So I’m, like, bring it on, man. Studio work, touring, whatever, teaching. I wanna do this. So, that’s pretty much what I’m doing, man. I’m just, like, ‘Hey, I’m open. Let’s go. Let’s do this.'”
After Bent’s departure was announced, Trivium frontman Matt Heafy would share in the comments, “Wishing you and your family the best,” establishing that the departure was amicable between the two parties.
Guitarist Corey Baeuleiu would also stress in an interview with Wall of Sound that there was no ill-will to anyone, and while it was a surprise, it was handled respectfully.
“It just kind of happened, and it was kind of a surprise. I don’t think anyone was really expecting it,” the guitarist shared.
“But it is what it is. When it all kind of went down, we all wished each other the best. There’s no hard feelings. It was just kind of one of those things where it’s, like, life changes paths. And it’s all positive. We made three amazing records together. The [upcoming] EP is amazing, which it will be his last thing. He started working on the [next full] record with us, so hopefully when that’s finished and done, he’ll feel a part of that.”
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