California hardcore outfit HRBRS have been through a variety of member changes over the span of their existence, but this fact does not make departures any less saddening when they occur. Today’s adieu is especially difficult, as vocalist and founding member Matt Gutierrez has announced he will be parting ways with the band. According to Gutierrez, the split is fully amicable and came solely from his yearlong struggle of grappling with whether or not to leave the band. He also stated he feels the group will “come back stronger than ever” after regrouping, and it’s hard not to believe him as his departure statement (which can be found after the jump) is a truly positive reflection on his time with HRBRS.
There is no doubt Under The Gun looks forward to seeing what Gutierrez and HRBRS come up with next on their separate ventures. For the readers who would like to stop and jam some HRBRS in honor of Gutierrez’s departure, though, feel free to take a listen to one of his two final songs with the band from their just-released split with Hourglass here.
For almost 3 years, this band has been my entire life. From the day Ray and I sat down in his bedroom to record “Branches”, through touring with our greatest friends in Dead End Alaska and Missive, to coordinating our splits with Love American and, most recently, with the Aussies in Hourglass, I have given this band 150% and it has truly been a dream come true. Unfortunately, the split with Hourglass will be my final release as the vocalist of HRBRS. This is a decision that I have struggled with for the majority of the year and I finally decided last week that this is the right choice for me. This band has been everything I ever hoped for and I want to thank everyone who has supported this band and all the friends I wouldn’t have made if it weren’t for this band. You guys mean the world to me. Thank you for everything. I will always love Tylor, Nico, Jack, and Danny like brothers, and I urge you to continue to support them and continue to support HRBRS as they regroup and come back stronger than ever. As for a final show, that may or may not happen, but for now, I want to thank everyone again. It’s been a wild ride and I will forever be grateful that I got to experience it with all of you. It’s been fun!
– Matthew
