Thrash metal’s revolving door continues to spin as veteran bassist Christian Olde Wolbers announces his departure from Bay Area legends Vio-lence after a six-year stint to pursue new creative ventures. The news, confirmed through social media on February 24, 2024, marks a significant moment in the thrash metal scene, as Wolbers steps away from a band that has been a cornerstone of the genre since the 1980s.
In his heartfelt announcement, Wolbers shared a nostalgic photograph alongside Vio-lence vocalist Sean Killian, ex-guitarist Phil Demmel, and former drummer Perry Strickland. He expressed deep appreciation for his bandmates, referring to them as “bad ass dudes” who “created some real Thrash metal magic in the Bay Area in the 80’s/90’s.” This sentiment underscores the camaraderie and shared history that has defined Vio-lence’s legacy.
What makes Wolbers’ departure particularly poignant is the full-circle nature of his journey with the band. He revealed that Vio-lence was his favorite thrash metal group during his late teens, making his eventual membership decades later feel almost predestined. “Crazy how that all works out. Completely mind blowing to be honest. Be careful what you wish for,” he reflected in his statement, highlighting the serendipitous nature of his musical career.
Walking away from Vio-lence was not an easy decision for Wolbers. He noted that he hasn’t voluntarily left a band since departing Asphyxia in 1992, a move that led him to relocate to the United States to advance his career. However, his creative ambitions now lie elsewhere, primarily focused on establishing his own solo project and expanding his production portfolio. This shift signals a new chapter in his artistic journey, one that promises to explore uncharted territories.
One significant undertaking that commands Wolbers’ attention is his collaboration with hip-hop icons Cypress Hill on their Symphony Experience, an orchestral project set to debut in 2024 with the London Symphony Orchestra. This ambitious endeavor showcases Wolbers’ versatility as a musician and his willingness to push the boundaries of genre. Additionally, he expressed a desire to concentrate on writing albums that he has been dreaming of making for a long time, revealing that he is already actively creating new material in his studio space.
Wolbers’ solo venture appears to be taking shape under the name Angst Fabrik—a German phrase that translates literally to “Fear Factory,” a nod to the industrial metal outfit where he spent 22 years as bassist and later guitarist. The project’s debut album is reportedly scheduled for 2026, with Wolbers collaborating with drummer Adam Jarvis, known for his work with Scour and Pig Destroyer. This new direction promises to blend Wolbers’ thrash roots with fresh influences, potentially creating a unique sound that resonates with both old fans and new listeners.
Wolbers’ departure from Vio-lence comes during a period of significant lineup changes for the thrash veterans. Formed in 1985, Vio-lence helped define the influential Bay Area sound before initially disbanding in 1993. After several brief reunions, the band became fully active again in 2019, releasing their EP “Let The World Burn” in March 2022—marking their first new material in 29 years. This resurgence was celebrated by fans, but the recent changes in the lineup have left many wondering about the future of the band.
The recording featured Killian, Demmel, Strickland, Wolbers, and former Overkill guitarist Bobby Gustafson. However, with Wolbers’ exit, Killian now stands as the sole member from that lineup still touring with the group. Recent performances have introduced drummer Nick Souza alongside guitarists Mario Salcedo and Pat O’Brien, the latter known for his work with Exhorder and Cannibal Corpse. Notably, Demmel’s final appearance with Vio-lence occurred just weeks before Wolbers’ announcement, taking place on February 11, 2024, at Carioca Club in São Paulo, Brazil—the concluding show of the band’s Latin American tour with Exhorder.
As the thrash metal community processes this latest departure, Wolbers’ journey serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of the genre. His decision to pursue new creative ventures reflects a broader trend within the metal scene, where artists continually seek to redefine themselves and explore new artistic horizons. With his new projects on the horizon, fans can look forward to witnessing the next chapter in Christian Olde Wolbers’ musical legacy.
