In a fascinating turn of events, former UNEARTH and AS I LAY DYING guitarist Ken Susi has joined ALL THAT REMAINS, replacing Jason Richardson. But how did this come to be? Well, it all started with a simple phone call...
Ken Susi, in a revealing interview with RichardMetalFan, shared the story of his journey to becoming a part of ALL THAT REMAINS. He explained that he called Mike Martin, the guitarist of ALL THAT REMAINS, to catch up. Susi and Martin had a history of attending sports games together and meeting for meals, sometimes with Adam Dutkiewicz, the KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist and producer for both UNEARTH and ALL THAT REMAINS. During the call, Susi learned that Martin was expecting a baby and needed someone to fill in for him. Susi, being the talented guitarist he is, agreed without hesitation.
But here's where it gets interesting: Susi was unaware of the underlying tensions between Jason Richardson and the band. Martin suspected something was amiss, but wasn't sure who would play guitar on the upcoming tour. Susi, confident in his abilities, offered to learn the material and fill in. And so he did, learning not only the music but also the solos, impressing the band, especially Phil Labonte, the singer.
The story doesn't end there. Susi's involvement quickly evolved from a temporary fill-in to a permanent position. He began contributing musical ideas for the band's next studio album, the follow-up to 2025's 'Antifragile', which featured Richardson. Susi's creativity was flowing, and he found himself writing a lot of music during this time, inspired by personal family matters and the emotional turmoil he was experiencing. He approached the band with his ideas, and they were receptive and respectful, seeing his potential as a songwriter.
Susi's addition to the band was met with enthusiasm and acceptance, which surprised him. He admits to being a polarizing figure on stage, with some people not taking his skills seriously. But Susi's talent is undeniable, and the band recognized his abilities. They welcomed him as a permanent member, and Susi felt honored and re-energized, especially after facing online criticism and negativity.
This announcement marks a new chapter for ALL THAT REMAINS, following the departure of Richardson in July after a seven-year stint. Richardson had joined the band after the tragic passing of their co-founding member and lead guitarist, Oliver 'Oli' Herbert, in 2018. Susi's connection to the band dates back to the late '90s, when he met Martin, Herbert, and Labonte at underground shows, forming a deep friendship that has now come full circle.
Susi's statement upon joining ALL THAT REMAINS was heartfelt, paying tribute to his late friend Oli Herbert and expressing his excitement to contribute to a project he believes in. The band's recent announcement of a spring 2026 U.S. tour with BORN OF OSIRIS and DEAD EYES further solidifies their commitment to moving forward with Susi as an integral part of their sound.
And this is the part most people miss: ALL THAT REMAINS has a rich history, with their tenth studio album, 'Antifragile', released in 2025, marking a new era of independence for the band. The album featured four singles, including 'Divine', which was their first original material since Herbert's passing and symbolized a period of rebirth. The band has also faced recent lineup changes, with longtime drummer Jason Costa departing in 2023 for personal reasons, and being replaced by Anthony Barone.
But wait, there's more: ALL THAT REMAINS' breakthrough album, 'The Fall Of Ideals', achieved gold certification in 2023, and the band celebrated its 15th anniversary with a tour in 2022. This iconic album, with hits like 'This Calling' and 'The Air That I Breathe', continues to resonate with fans.
So, what do you think about Ken Susi's journey to ALL THAT REMAINS? Is it a perfect fit or a controversial move? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's discuss the future of this iconic band and the impact of Susi's addition.
