Kyle Rasmussen Posted a Teary-Eyed Account of What Went Down as Ex-Vitriol Members Start a New Band

The sudden and dramatic implosion of technical death metal outfit Vitriol has been a hell of a rollercoaster ride. Just yesterday we reported on guitarist Keith Merrow, drummer Andy Vincenzetti, and bassist Brett Leier leaving frontman Kyle Rasmussen, his girlfriend, and their dog stranded at a Vermont gas station mid-tour following what must have been an explosive argument.

Now, both sides have come out with more detail and information about what’s coming next. And while it sounds like things could be looking up for the trio that stuck together, things aren’t going to hot for Rasmussen.

In a lengthy, tear-filled two-part video statement on the official Vitriol Instagram page, Rasmussen opted to share his side of how things went down. You can watch the whole thing there, but the gist is that he’s got anger issues and that he indulges in “responsible irresponsiblity” in the form of “nose beers” (aka cocaine), but that it’s the other guys’ fault that things fell apart.

Rasmussen also claimed that Merrow threatened he would “stab him in the neck” during one particularly physical altercation. He also said that they were abandoned at a closed ice cream shop in New York state, not a gas station in Vermont, during which point they got a state trooper to help kick Rasmussen out of the band’s RV.

Merrow posted an Instagram story in response to Rasmussen’s video, doubling down on the fact that “Kyle sucks.” In it, he explained that the frontman “irrationally screamed at the whole crew” and was an abusive person on the road. Ultimately, things came to a head and resulted in Rasmussen, his girlfriend, and his dog getting left on the side of the road.

“Everyone who’s reading this – Me, Brett, and Andy left Vitriol because Kyle sucks. That’s it. It doesn’t require an absolutely psychotic 2 part video series to explain. He irrationally screamed at the whole crew at the top of his lungs on multiple occasions we simply won’t tolerate it, just like all the other 19 people who left this failed band. What more needs to be said? It’s the same shit as every other victim of his abuse.

“I’ve received so many messages in the past 24 hours from you guys. We really appreciate your kind words. The silver lining in this situation is that i met Brett and Andy. We’re continuing together as a band under a different name because we love each other. The amazing bambino crew will be joining us as sound engineers.”

It’s honestly good to see something positive come out of this whole kerfuffle. The fact that these guys now have something new to come out of what has to be an incredibly shitty situation is good to see. Knowing how good these guys sounded as part of Vitriol, it’s exciting to see what they come up with.

In the immediate aftermath of being left by the band, Rasmussen started a GoFundMe to help cover transportation, food, and shelter as he, his girlfriend, and his dog try to make the trip back home.

“My name is Kyle, and I’m reaching out for help after an unexpected and difficult turn of events,” said Rasmussen. “While on tour with a band, my girlfriend Maggie, our dog Ghost, and I were left stranded at a remote gas station in upstate New York. After a disagreement with a band member, we suddenly found ourselves as far from home as we could possibly be, with very little money and no way to feed ourselves or secure transportation to get back to Portland, Oregon.

“Since being left behind, we’ve relied on the kindness of strangers just to get by. The last 24 hours have been a struggle, trying to keep Maggie and Ghost safe and healthy while figuring out how to make it home. The uncertainty and stress have been overwhelming, but I’m determined to do whatever it takes to get us back to safety.

“The funds raised will go directly toward securing a vehicle—either a rental or an affordable used car—along with gas, food, and lodging for the long journey home. I wouldn’t ask for myself, but I need to keep Maggie and Ghost safe. Any support, no matter how small, would mean the world to us right now. Thank you for reading our story and for considering helping us get home.”

Deep down, you hope this is a wake up call for Rasmussen, who sounds like his anger and drug issues have been a prevailing problem in Vitriol. It certainly would explain the revolving door of members that band’s had over the years. One would also hope that the money donated via GoFundMe actually goes to his trip back home and doesn’t wind up in his nose…