Australian metal band LORD has announced it is “finished” after band members were informed of a “criminal matter”.
In a statement posted to the Sydney/Wollongong outfit’s social channels on Monday evening (February 17th), Andy Dowling and Mark Furtner addressed the band’s inactivity and decision to disband.
“On October 7th, 2023, we were made aware of some deeply concerning information regarding a criminal matter,” the statement reads.
“Due to the sensitivity of the situation, and in an effort to protect the innocent parties involved, we had been unable to provide any commentary.
“However, now the legal process around this matter has come to an end, and though we are legally unable to delve into many details, we are able to share this statement. Upon being informed of the criminal matter in October 2023, we made the decision that LORD was finished.
“All new music which was completed and originally scheduled for release in 2023 and 2024 will no longer be released.”
The statement continues that due to “legal restrictions”, the band members are unable to “safely articulate” their thoughts and cannot comment further.
“We know that many of you will have questions and things to say, but due to the sensitivity of the matter and well-being of those impacted, we do ask that the privacy of all family, friends and members of the band is respected,” it reads.
“We’d like to express our sincerest and most heartfelt appreciation to those who gave their unwavering support to us over the years. We will always cherish taking the journey with you and the many friendships we made.”
Read the full statement below.
Having formed in the 2000s, LORD produced five studio albums – the final being 2019’s Fallen Idols via Dominus Records.
The band’s 2021 cover album, Undercovers Vol.1, boosted their popularity around the country with covers of classic hits from the likes of Metallica, John Farnham and Kylie Minogue.
In particular, a cover of Savage Garden’s To The Moon & Back received praise from the frontman of the iconic Australian act, Darren Hayes.
The covers album received a nomination at the 2022 AIR Awards for Best Independent Heavy Album or EP and debuted at No. 1 on both AIR Albums charts – 100% Independent Albums and Independent Label Albums.
“STATEMENT FROM ANDY AND MARK”
On October 7th, 2023, we were made aware of some deeply concerning information regarding a criminal matter.
Due to the sensitivity of the situation, and in an effort to protect the innocent parties involved, we had been unable to provide any commentary.
However, now the legal process around this matter has come to an end, and though we are legally unable to delve into many details, we are able to share this statement. Upon being informed of the criminal matter in October 2023, we made the decision that LORD was finished.
All new music which was completed and originally scheduled for release in 2023 and 2024 will no longer be released. All merchandise was removed in October 2023, though a limited online presence remained as we were obligated to refrain from bringing attention to a situation that we were legally unable to discuss.
We understand the decision to end LORD will come as an immense disappointment to some, but this course of action has not been taken lightly as there is simply no way the band can continue given what has occurred.
Given the severity of the situation, and the legal restrictions on what we can say, we are left with little ability to appropriately and safely articulate our thoughts and feelings, or to comment any further.
We know that many of you will have questions and things to say, but due to the sensitivity of the matter and well-being of those impacted, we do ask that the privacy of all family, friends and members of the band is respected.
We’d like to express our sincerest and most heartfelt appreciation to those who gave their unwavering support to us over the years. We will always cherish taking the journey with you and the many friendships we made.
– Andy and Mark
