Bay Area thrash metal cult heroes Vio-Lence have parted ways with guitarist Ira Black, right after the band successfully wrapped up a run of European shows – incidentally, on 8/14/2026 they also played this year’s edition of Metal Resurrection festival in Zabok, Croatia.
Ira Black made the move so he could focus on his new musical project, Ira Black’s Apocælypse, which released its studio debut “Fænix” on 8/28/2026.
Ira K. Black is an extremely experienced and respected guitarist. Over his career he has worked with Lizzy Borden, Vicious Rumors, I Am Morbid, Metal Church, Heathen, Bulletboys and Dokken, among others.
Vio-Lence frontman and vocalist Sean Killian has issued an official statement about the split on social media – check it out below.
In the photo: Ira Black on stage with Vio-Lence on 8/14/2026 in Zabok, Croatia (RockLine photo archive 2006-2026, all rights reserved). You can read the full RockLine review of this year’s Metal Resurrection festival HERE.
