Lutharo, the Hamilton-based melodic death metal band, is undergoing major changes following the departure of vocalist Krista Shipperbottom and drummer Cory Hofing. Both musicians issued statements this week announcing their exits, citing personal and internal challenges within the group.
Shipperbottom, who co-founded Lutharo in 2014 alongside guitarist Victor Bucur, described the decision as “the most gut wrenching and terrifying” of her career. In her statement, she said she had been “pushed to [her] limit by a long-term pattern of toxic and harmful behaviour from one individual,” adding that prioritizing her mental health had become unavoidable. “I refuse to go silently,” she wrote, explaining that her choice to speak out was motivated by a desire to protect others rather than by resentment.
Hofing, who joined the band later, expressed solidarity with Shipperbottom’s decision, saying he could no longer remain “part of something that caused so much pain to someone I care about.” He described ongoing “internal dynamics and patterns of behaviour” that made it increasingly difficult to continue in the band, noting that recent conversations with Shipperbottom gave him “a deeper understanding” of what she had endured. Hofing plans to focus on his other projects, including Crimson Shadows and his podcast We’re Talkin’ Drums.
Formed in Hamilton, Ontario, Lutharo became a fixture in Canada’s metal scene, blending melodic death and power metal with elements of thrash and symphonic styles. The band has released two full-length albums and three EPs, most recently Chasing Euphoria, which was recorded by Hofing and released through Atomic Fire Records in March 2024.
At the time of writing, Lutharo’s remaining members have not publicly commented on the departures or the group’s future direction.
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