The Amity Affliction officially part with drummer Ryan Burt who’s “been fighting some mental demons of late”, before recording next album

Just before they go back on the road for Groovin The Moo and start recording their next album in the United States, Queensland metalcore band The Amity Affliction have officially parted with drummer Ryan Burt.

The brother of former guitarist Chris Burt, Ryan made his recording debut on their first album, Severed Ties, from 2008.

On a Facebook posting the band stated, "Many of you are aware Ryan has been fighting some mental demons of late and took time off in late 2016 to seek help in overcoming these struggles.

“Unfortunately, it has been a major struggle for him on the road.

“It has been very hard for us to watch him go through this, but it has been even harder for him to get on stage and give his all for the fans and band each night.

“He has done this through adversity on the last few tours, which we have been very grateful for.

"This has been a very hard thing for us all to accept, but ultimately the touring environment and spending long periods away from home and his support network is not the best place for him to be."

In 2016, Burt took leave while the band toured through the UK and Europe.

Troy Wright (Plini) filled at this year’s UNIFY Gathering, when they celebrated their 15th anniversary with a set that included many old songs they hadn’t played for ages.

It is not certain who the permanent replacement will be.

They have said their next album, which they have been writing for the last six months and which they will start recording soon, will be “much different” and less in-your-face.

The Amity Affliction concluded their post: “We want to thank Ryan for everything he has contributed to the band over the last nine years and we will make sure he is looked after going forward.”

Of the Amity Affliction lineup which formed in high school in Gympie in 2003, Ahren Stringer is the sole survivor.

They have gone through 13 members.

Through hard touring, both here and abroad, the band set up a global following through the US, Europe and Latin America.

Their last three albums – Chasing Ghosts (2012), Let The Ocean Take Me (2014) and This Could Be Heartbreak (2016) – debuted at #1 on the ARIA chart.

Their records addressed anxiety, suicidal feelings and drug dependency battled by some of its members.