Malevolent Creation have parted ways with bassist Jesse Jolly and guitarist Chris Cannella, with the band’s co-founding guitarist Phil Fasciana claiming Cannella struggled to perform the group’s material live. The departures have also sparked public criticism from Jolly, who has accused Fasciana of fostering a toxic environment within the death metal band.
In an initial statement shared on October 26, Malevolent Creation confirmed that Jolly and Cannella were no longer part of the touring lineup. The band attributed the decision to differences in musical direction and concerns about the group’s live performances.
“During rehearsals for our now complete Latin American Tour it was apparent there services as live musicians were not needed. The core members Ronnie Parmer (drums) Deron Miller (vocals, guitar) and band founder and guitarist Philip Fasciana were going in one direction and Jesse and Chris were going into another.”
The band also confirmed that work on its 14th studio album, ‘Return Fire’, remains on schedule, with touring plans for 2027 and 2028 still in development. Malevolent Creation intend to return to a four-piece lineup and are currently searching for a new bassist.
“MC prides themselves on there live performances and we need to keep the future live shows to be as powerful as possible.”
Fasciana subsequently addressed Cannella’s departure in a post shared on October 27, publicly challenging the guitarist to demonstrate his ability to perform the band’s material.
“My offer to Mr. Chris Cannella is to pick any song from the setlist we were playing live with him and make a video of himself playing a song from start to finish without any mistakes and i will personally give him $1,000. He has till Friday to prove himself. This will clear up any questions as to why he was fired from the band and why Jesse Jolly had to go as well. Come on Chris, prove me wrong and collect $1,000! The clock is ticking!”
Fasciana later described the challenge as a way to explain the band’s decision, claiming Cannella’s live performance was one of several issues behind the split.
“This is the easiest way to explain to people why we could not continue with Chris. It’s only 1 of the many reasons and the most important. No band would ever allow someone to join there band if one of there members could not play the bands songs. It’s unnatural!!”
Cannella, meanwhile, addressed his exit in a brief social media post, stopping short of detailing his side of the situation.
“As as of today I am no longer a part of Malevolent Creation. No mudslinging but IYKYK!”
Jolly offered a more extensive account of his departure, alleging that his experience working with Fasciana had become intolerable. The bassist said he had continued trying to deliver for fans but ultimately felt he could no longer remain in the group.
“Though my time was short with mc, there were/are elements within the band (phil) that are far too toxic for me to tolerate any longer.”
Jolly went on to allege that the problems extended beyond the band’s lineup, describing what he characterized as repeated mood swings and mistreatment involving people working with Malevolent Creation.
“From promoters, tour managers, stage crew, long-time fans and, yes, even we as his bandmates have endured unspeakably absurd mood-swings from the aforementioned toxic element. I will no longer personally witness the abuse handed down by someone who hardly deserves the pleasure of performing for the very people who made it all possible. (You.)”
The conflicting accounts leave the circumstances surrounding the departures disputed, with Fasciana questioning Cannella’s playing and Jolly criticizing the band’s working environment.
Malevolent Creation have experienced lineup changes throughout their history. Fasciana also faced scrutiny last year after an incident involving alcohol and prescription medication reportedly left him unable to complete the band’s touring commitments. At the time, he apologized to his bandmates, including Cannella and Jolly.
Despite the latest departures, the band says its plans for ‘Return Fire’ remain intact, with live performances expected to resume in early 2027. Fasciana has also invited prospective bassists to submit audition videos as the group prepares for its next chapter.
If you’re rocking with The Mosh Network, hit the link and add us as a Preferred Source on Google. That’s the easiest way to keep our latest metal, hardcore, and alternative news, tours, and releases showing up directly in your feed.
