Massachusetts deathcore legends The Acacia Strain are down a member, with longtime drummer Kevin Boutot leaving the band after 18 years.

Boutot joined The Acacia Strain in 2005, replacing former drummer Ben Abert and staying ever since. Boutot announced the surprise news in an emotional Instagram statement this morning, thanking fans and the band for their support during his nearly two decades smashing the drums behind one of the world’s most popular deathcore acts.

As for what the future holds for Boutot, he’s assured fans that he will continue playing the drums and may join The Acacia Strain on special occasions. Right now, though, his main focus is on his family. You can read Boutot’s complete statement below.

I didn't go into this last tour with the intention of it being my last one, but it indeed was. I played what will possibly be my last show with The Acacia Strain last night in Kitchener, Ontario. I couldn't have asked for a better send off, that show was WILD! I don't think I can put how grateful I am for the life I lived touring the world the last 20 years into words. It's just not possible.
All I can say is thank you. THANK YOU. To my band mates, current and past, I love you all. The fans, I'll never forget all of you. To anyone that booked us and worked behind the scenes to make it all happen, thank you. I will say that this is not the end of me, I'll still be playing as much as I can, doing various projects and just MAYBE an occasional show with TAS here and there. Until then, I'll be home focusing on what's most important in life. My family. Once again, thank you everyone. I'll cherish the memories I made touring as long as I live.

The Acacia Strain will return to Australia in September – who will join them on drums for the upcoming tour is to be confirmed. Portland metalcore band Dying Wish (their first-ever Australian dates) and Sydney’s brutal Volatile Ways will open the shows.

In December, The Acacia Strain returned to music with Untended Graves, their first single since releasing their tenth album, Slow Decay, in July 2020.

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