Watch Thy Art Is Murder's fiery reunion performance with C.J. McMahon

January 31, 2017

Just a couple of weeks ago, we brought you the delightful news that frontman C.J. McMahon was officially rejoining Thy Art Is Murder after his departure in 2015.

The reunion took place at Austrailia's Unify Gathering earlier this month, where McMahon also delivered a blunt explanation of his situation.

“I was a drug addict, I was a broke musician, and I had some fucking issues… I got married, I did some fucking soul searching, and now I'm back to take over the world with my fucking brothers,” he stated. “In the celebration that is me coming back to join my brothers in world domination, I need you guys to have some fun with us.”

Now official footage from Unify has been shared on the festival's YouTube channel, featuring Thy Art Is Murder's opening performance of “Holy War” with C.J. back at the helm. Watch the fiery set opener below.

A little over a year ago we were left in a pickle when CJ had finally reached his breaking point – the physical, emotional and mental stresses of touring, and the lifestyle had taken its toll on him. After the dust had settled we had time to speak amongst ourselves, and with him, and we were all able to get on the same page. He was able to take time off from the road and work consistently, tick off some life goals like getting married, and enjoy the routine and familiarity of life at home with his friends and family. Conversely the rest of us kept going, touring relentlessly, playing bigger tours to more people than ever before, going to new countries for the very first time, and had a blast taking a few great vocalists and mates out for the ride with us while we weathered the storm and figured things out. Special thanks must go out to our incredible friends and fill in touring vocalists – Monte Barnard, Nicholas Arthur, Lochlan Watt, as well as every other vocalist who took the time to apply in our discrete vocalist auditions. After a few months away from the chaotic life on the road CJ reached out to us and we started maintaining more regular communication. He mentioned how he had started cleaning up, was focused on working hard and saving for his wedding and enjoying time at home, but he also mentioned he missed the shows, the friends, and us – his band. After months of working things out, gaining his voice back, and mending wounded friendships, we are overwhelmed with excitement to announce that we have completed writing for a new record to be released later this year, featuring the one and only – Christopher John McMahon. Welcome back CJ! CJ offered a brief statement, which didn't mince words around the reasons for his departure: “I was a drug addict, I was a broke musician, and I had some fucking issues. I got married, I did some fucking soul searching, and now I'm back to take over the world with my fucking brothers.” �� @ttttttttthomas #thyartismurder

A photo posted by Thy Art Is Murder (@thyartinstagram) on Jan 20, 2017 at 5:58am PST

Impericon UK had also tweeted that Thy Art Is Murder would be joining their string of festivals in Europe, along with Miss May I, Asking Alexandria, Parkway Drive and more. You can see those upcoming dates below.

Dates:

04.14.2017 Austria Vienna ARENA
04.15.2017 Germany Leipzig HALLE EINS – LEIPZIGER MESSE
04.17.2017 United Kingdom Manchester ACADEMY
04.21.2017 Switzerland Zürich X-TRA
04.22.2017 Germany Oberhausen TURBINENHALLE
04.30.2017 Germany Munich ZENITH

Watch More: APTV Interviews: ANDY MARSH of THY ART IS MURDER in London