To The Demon Hunter Fans
Some of you may have heard that I, along with Don Clark, have decided to step down from Demon Hunter. This decision, in no way, came easy. When I joined Relient K in March of 2008, I knew that there might come a time when I would have to do this. At that point I did everything possible to be involved in both bands. The tough part was that Relient K was so full time, I had to back out of certain shows and events with DH. Missing some shows here and there seemed ok at first, but after a while, I felt like my time with DH was growing shorter. A couple months ago, I was supposed to meet up with Ryan and Patrick in Philly for a rare acoustic performance. At the last minuet, I had to cancel. I felt terrible about having to do this and at that point, I knew it was time to figure some things out. I talked with Ryan and our manager about the DH schedule for the rest of the 2009. It turned out that there was nothing I could make it to…shows, photoshoots, recording…etc. At that point, it was time to step down. I had an amazing talk with Ryan about the whole situation and made it official with He and DH that my time was done with the band.
To my brothers in Demon Hunter, Ryan, Don, Jon & Yogi & our manager Downey…Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for making the last 4 years completely unforgettable. I am so proud to call you guys friends, proud to have been a part of this band, proud to have recorded The Tryptich & Storm The Gates Of Hell, proud to have played all over the country with you guys, proud to be able to call Seattle a second home and most of all, I am so proud to have been a part of something that has brought so much joy and hope to so many people. Hearing story after story from fans is what made me want to make my time both bands work and not want to ever step down. Thank you for everything!
To the fans…You guys are the reason this band exists, the reason they write, record, tour…etc. Thank you for embracing me in this band for the last 4 years. Every one of you has had an impact on my life as much as you have told us the same. I loved going on the road with DH and being able to interact with all of you. That was one of the best things to look forward to when touring. Please keep supporting DH because regardless of Don and I leaving, the focus and heart of the band stays the same and that it what makes Demon Hunter what it is. If you get the chance, please come out to a Relient K show and say hello. I know a number of you have done so already and it means the world to me! Keep it up! Please support Patrick taking my spot. He is an AMAZING guitarist and, as some of you have seen, he fits the band perfectly! I can’t wait to be in the crowd with you guys the next time DH plays Nashville.
Obviously, this does not mean I will never see or talk to these guy again…far form it! When RK goes to Seattle, the first thing I do is hit up those dudes. I’m sure Ryan and I will work on album packaging in the future with my photography. Either way, these guys will be in my life for a long time to come! So, thanks again to everyone involved in DH for making the last 4 years of my life something I will never forget!! I will wear my DH tattoo with pride, knowing that it stands for much more than a band I played in. Thank you.
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Ethan, the creativity, the energy, and the face-melting that you and Don brought will be sorely missed, but I’m glad that you’ve recognized that you didn’t have enough time to pour into both bands. By stepping down and allowing Patrick to pour out his all into DH, hopefully anyways, you will help that music continue to grow instead of turning it into a half-hearted side project. And you also help RK from becoming that as well. Thank you though for the time that you put into DH and for blessing our ears with your God-given talent. May it be returned to you tenfold so that you can continue to bless others.
Comment by Nate Eaton — August 17, 2009 @ 4:19 pm
I knew this was inevitable.
Thanks for being real and honest
.
See you soon…
Comment by Eliza — August 17, 2009 @ 4:36 pm
This in no way affects me, but I got sad when I read it. I don’t know if this is a good quality or not, but I think you could write one heck of a eulogy. (eugoogoly)
Comment by Ryne — August 17, 2009 @ 5:20 pm
That was beautifully written.
Comment by Micaela — August 17, 2009 @ 6:26 pm
Very sad to hear. Knew it was coming too.
Well, I’ve been a fan of many bands you’ve been in over the years so when you joined DH I was excited. To have someone with a great CHRISTIAN music background in DH was an awesome addition.
You will be missed, but I’m praying DH rolls on!
Congrats on the full time job in Relient K. I might actually go to another Relient K show (it would be number 4) just to say hey to you since I know I won’t see you at DH shows now!
Very well written letter and it’s very appreciated…sad, but if it had to be done, you did it well.
Comment by Matt — August 17, 2009 @ 6:29 pm
[...] gig with Relient K. Ethan is a great friend and has some thoughts about his departure over at his blog. Above is a picture of us at the ‘Fading Away’ video shoot in 2006 at the Universal [...]
Pingback by Invisible Creature Speaks » Blog Archive » 2001-2009 — August 17, 2009 @ 8:30 pm
So sorry to hear, but glad you are still killing it in the music biz and that you are all still friends. Don’t forget to crack that guitar case open and destroy some riffs now and then.
Comment by Robert — August 17, 2009 @ 9:05 pm
hey buddy, i’m sure this was a difficult decision. while i’m (along with countless others are) sad to see you leave DH, i’m excited for the future you’ll make with rK. take care.
Comment by Joshua Krohn — August 17, 2009 @ 9:12 pm
naaaao ..
you have not come to Brazil …= \
here has much fans and we are a long time to show you here …= \
forgive my english …
Comment by Douglas — August 17, 2009 @ 11:26 pm
looks like you stormed your last gate in hell.
but seriously, that sucks. i’ve been meaning to ask you about demon hunter but every time i saw you i would forget. can’t say i’m not glad you’re sticking with relient k though. i don’t know what i’d do without you.
Comment by meg — August 18, 2009 @ 3:31 am
My hands are quivering…
That was very sad to read but you Ethan wrote it very well! I know that your decision was very hard but I think you did the right thing! You were a big part of Demon Hunter and you will be remembered.
I just have to say that you are my number one role model and your guitar playing has influenced my guitar playing in a such great way!! I just hope we could meet some day in the future but at the latest in Heaven! Oh, and you helped me very much with my questions about baritone guitars.
God has blessed you in a great way and He will bless you with your every decisions! Take care!
Comment by Eemeli from Finland — August 18, 2009 @ 4:25 pm
Ethan,
You know, I’ve been listening to DH for less than a year now and words can’t describe how much your music has touched me. I’ve always been one of the very few Christian metalheads in my church wanting to do something different in my life, like playing in a Christian metal band rather than going along with the usual routine of daily life. Everyday I pray that I can form an awesome Christian metal band like you guys have. You guys have pushed the limits of Christian music and I respect you so much for that. I see DH as a REAL Christian music ministry that goes out boldly into the world expressing their Christian faith and declaring the word of God. I pray that I too can do the same in the music scene by forming a metal band and storm the gates of hell b/c I know with God on my side, hell hath no fury at all. I can easily say that Demon Hunter is my favorite band of all time and that you guys are such a huge inspiration in my life!
Ethan, I wish you the best and I will be praying for you, along with Don and the rest of DH!
“And open my fate to the darkened sky” – Fading Away, Demon Hunter
This always gets me pumped up and back on my feet.
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Comment by Allen Jacob — August 18, 2009 @ 7:34 pm
Gonna miss you man
I have always wanted to come to a DH show and meet you and the guys. Never had the chance to go see any of the shows. Im a big fan and have been buying all the albums and dvds. Got the special editions of the last 2 cds so I have all the live shows that were shot and loved yours and Dons playing styles. I am a guitarist and have played about 7 or 8 years and watching you play the guitar is very inspiring to me. I hope to someday be on a stage doing what you were and are doing inspiring so many people. Thank you for everything. Keep playin music, love hearing your stuff. God bless, hope to still meet you someday.
I just have 1 question, if you dont answer I understand you must be busy with Relient K and other stuff. I was wanting to know what pickups you and Don used to get that great sound in DH. Talk to you later, keep rockin!
Comment by Caden — August 19, 2009 @ 12:03 am
So sorry to see you go, but so very happy that you are part of RK. Had so much fun at the video shoot, thank you for allowing us to be part of it. Hope to see you soon!
Comment by Ashneth — August 19, 2009 @ 7:00 am
Ethan..sou Brasileiro e sempre fui muito fã do Demon Hunter..todos os trabalhos em que você esteve junto,foram os mais importantes para a banda e os melhores na minha opinião.
Confesso que sentirei sua falta na banda,e sinto muito a sua partida.
Deus Abençoe você e seus trabalhos!
Ethan .. I am Brazilian and I have always been a huge fan of Demon Hunter .. all the work you have been together, were the most important for the band and the best in my opinion.
I confess I’ll miss you int the band, and sorry to his departure.
God Bless you and your works!
Comment by Erickson — August 20, 2009 @ 12:51 am
Man, this sucks for me, but I totally understand. Hope to see you w/ Relient K soon.
God bless
Comment by Polish Tom — August 20, 2009 @ 12:56 pm
God use you, this is, Thta I have to you. Norman SIN KILLER, from brasil
Comment by Norman — August 23, 2009 @ 1:26 am
Man Imma miss ya bieng apart of demon hunter you and the other guys music touched me and helped me with the problems life has thrown me and just wanted to thank you for bieng a part of that I am glad I got to meet you on the stronger than hell tour ^_^ keep on rockin man god bless you and your talent ^_^ love ya man
Comment by Tasfighter — August 29, 2009 @ 7:44 am
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN DH. YOUR 2 ALBUMS WILL LIVE FOREVER AND STAND THE TEST OF TIME. THE TRYPTICH IS THE GREATEST ALBUM OF ALL TIME BROTHER AND YOU BROUGHT IT TO LIFE. BLESSINGS AND PEACE! TAKE MY 100% FULL SUPPORT!
Comment by Paul — August 30, 2009 @ 3:41 am
I must say I’m sad by the news. DH is my favorite band of all time. Their music is what led me to god. But I like reilent k a lot too so I will see you in pitt on the 23 with Toby.
but I’ll be wearing my “undying” DH shirt. Your a beast at guitar bro. We all love you and respect you. Peace man. Keep stormin the gates of hell with your music.
Comment by Taylor T — September 3, 2009 @ 10:44 pm
I met you on the Storm the Gates of Hell tour in Dallas. Right before you started with Reliant K. Man, I was so excited to see that show and meet all of you. I was able to tell you that I loved Demon Hunter. I got introduced to DH when Triptych came out. That band inspired me to be a better man. That might be hard to believe but its true. I will never forget the two shows I saw that you played and the time I met you. Good luck with RK. Thanks for the memories.
Comment by Wes — February 5, 2010 @ 3:23 am
Ah, what a shame.
But Patrick is a really great guitarist and will continue leaving the DH great, as always
Don and Ethan will be greatly missed especially for the fans.
But we understand, and God bless it’s always
God bless us
from Brasil, loves DH
Comment by Renata — February 17, 2010 @ 7:05 pm