MUMBAI: Mumbai-based Death/Trash metal heavyweights ‘Devoid’ is faced with a void after the departure of the band’s drummer and founding member, Shubham Kumar. Announced through their Facebook page last week, the news has left fans greatly disappointed.

The only founding member left, vocalist, Arun Iyer, expressed the importance of Kumar’s place in the band. “Shubham was an integral part of the band and one of the original Devoid members. He was a part in the shaping our songs, and his drumming gave the backbone and structure. His absence does leave us a little lost,” Iyer said.

Since the drummer’s departure, Devoid has not formally met as a band, but Iyer expressed strong intentions of keeping the torch burning. On finding a replacement for Kumar, Iyer commented, “At this point we are on a break, and seeking a replacement is on the backburner. We want to keep making music, but things are unclear as of now; we are definitely considering a replacement but are not sure of when. We also have some material to record but cannot go ahead without a decent drum back track. We might rework the tracks once we have a new drummer, as ideas keep coming while we are scratch-tracking in the jamroom or studio. But this is just a phase Devoid is going through, I am sure it is not going to be this way. Devoid certainly has a future.’

Iyer also hinted at the difficulty to find a replacement, as good drummers that play extreme metal with the required stage experience are few in number and are associated with other bands. When asked if Devoid might consider working with Kumar from Dubai where he is currently located, Iyer said, “With Shubhman’s heavy schedule is it highly unlikely. Also our song writing is intense and needs lot of commitment.”

Kumar, who also has a corporate job, had an opportunity had to take up bigger responsibilities for the organisation he works for. “The offer came in couple of months ago but did not through. But opportunity knocked on his door again, and this time it materialised. The time between him leaving and him telling us about it grew shorter. It eventually became clearer that he had to leave. It is definitely hard for us at the moment, but we are happy for Shubham’s future,” Iyer added.

Being the only original founding member of the band, Iyer very categorically mentioned that he wants the fans and readers to get the feeling that Devoid will continue and he is committed to give all that he can.