Exhorder Parts Ways With Drummer Sasha Horn, God Forbid's Corey Pierce Steps In

Sasha Horn closed out eight and a half years behind the kit for New Orleans heavy metal veterans Exhorder on March 18, with God Forbid drummer Corey Pierce stepping in as his immediate touring replacement for the upcoming Tour Of Unsound Minds eastern leg.

In his own statement, Horn framed the split in terms that cut to the bone for anyone who's spent years grinding the road: "After eight and a half years, two albums, and countless touring cycles, it is time for me to permanently step away from my position at Exhorder. All things have come to that split in the path. Best wishes to the guys moving forward. As for myself, I am in search of more time with family, continuing education, and a focus on my own personal creative endeavors." He closed with a line that softened the finality somewhat: "This is not a farewell, this is a time-out."

The band's own social media statement leaned on slightly different language, describing Horn as having "decided to step away for the time being from the daily rock lifestyle to focus on his personal life" — a phrasing that leaves the door more visibly ajar than Horn's own words. Whether the departure is truly permanent or indefinite, the practical reality is the same: Pierce is already locked in.

Exhorder confirmed Pierce's role directly in the announcement: "This decision does not impact our touring plans in any way, as we have been fortunate enough to secure the help of GOD FORBID legend Corey Pierce. Corey will join us on 'The Tour Of Unsound Minds' this coming month, so we are in good hands! We are excited to jam with Corey, and to bring our live show back to the eastern states for the first time in 2026."

The eastern leg of the Tour Of Unsound Minds kicks off April 2 at 123 Pleasant Street in Morgantown, West Virginia, and wraps April 19 at The Venue in Cadillac, Michigan. No full routing beyond those endpoints has been confirmed in official announcements, and Pierce's role is explicitly limited to the touring side — no studio work has been mentioned.

The search for a permanent drummer is already underway, according to the band. Exhorder tied the announcement directly to a broader transition: "As we have finally completed a two-year touring cycle of 'Defectum Omnium,' our canvas is clear and we are excited about following up with our fifth album's writing process."

The timing matters given where Exhorder sits historically. Forged in 1986 and responsible for the 1990 debut "Slaughter In The Vatican," the band went dormant after their final Roadrunner Records release in 1992, staying off the map for 27 years before returning with "Mourn The Southern Skies" through Nuclear Blast in October 2019. Horn came aboard during that comeback era, contributing to two albums through what turned out to be a turbulent stretch for the lineup. Original guitarist Vinnie LaBella, who wrote much of "Mourn The Southern Skies," parted ways in February 2020. With Horn now gone, guitarist Thomas stands as the sole remaining founding member of the band.

The band sent Horn off with genuine warmth: "All of our best to Sasha in his journey, and we thank him for the time, contributions, and sacrifices he made alongside us for all of these years. Best of luck and nothing but love from us moving forward.