LATEST

---

   Roughly two years after the unexpected loss of AngelragE guitarist Garland Triest and drummer Matt Rutherford, fans of the underground metal scene are still reeling. Triest, a founding member of the band, was well known for his guitar wizardry and larger-than-life persona; Rutherford's thunderous drumming was the perfect complement, providing the foundation upon which the band's sound was built for over 15 years. Their sudden absence left a void felt by all who knew them, and it has taken a long time for some to accept that they are no longer with us.

   In the months following Triest's demise, social media platforms like Facebook were flooded with speculation and conspiracy theories about what had really happened to the guitarist. Some assumed suicide, given reports that he had been struggling with depression and addiction following the inexplicable exit of lead vocalist Nancy Carpenter from the group. Others postulated that he may have encountered foul play, possibly from within the music industry.

   Despite the fact that there is no clear evidence to support any of these theories, they continue to circulate online, fueling rumors and speculation. Some fans have even gone so far as to suggest that Triest may have orchestrated his own death and is currently living under an assumed identity. The truth is, we may never know exactly what happened; it’s possible that he succumbed to alcohol poisoning, as family and friends have suggested. It's also possible that there were other factors at play, such as underlying health issues or personal problems with which he might have been grappling.

   Rutherford’s death was also not without controversy; while it was initially reported that he had died of COVID 19, his estranged wife wondered if he'd had an adverse reaction to the medication he was given and claimed that doctors had refused to do an autopsy. She also hinted at his long history of alcohol abuse: “There may be other potential factors but most likely, the Covid was the very last slap on an already bruised and beaten body.”

   Regardless, one thing is clear: both were talented musicians who touched the lives of many people during their time on this earth. Their memory will live on through their music as well as the impact that they had upon those who knew them. And while it's natural to want to know the truth about their deaths, we should also remember to celebrate their lives and the contributions that they made to the world of music.

View the video version of this article on Tiktok

   Just months after pulling out of recording sessions for AngelragE's Heresy CD, original AngelragE drummer Matt Rutherford has died, reportedly of Covid 19; in a Facebook post, his wife Joelle wrote, "It’s no surprise that a lot of people are shocked and many of you have been asking me what happened. Matt’s health had been on the decline for a while so when he tested positive for Covid on Tuesday, i got pretty scared. One of Matt’s problems was that he had breathing issues and he was regularly taking Advair. there were a lot of other things I worried about  but my main concern was that with his shortness of breath from having the coronavirus, he would suddenly stop breathing or get dizzy and fall down the stairs. We don’t really know for sure what did it in the end but i was having him check in with me every few hours and at about noon the next day, he seemed to be feeling OK and breathing better. unfortunately, judging by the time his sister spoke with him and the time of my first text that went unanswered, something went wrong between 2:30 and 4:30 PM and he went peacefully in his sleep. There may be other potential factors but most likely, the Covid was the very last slap on an already bruised and beaten body.  I knew in my bones that something was wrong and I just wish I acted on those instincts right away instead of waiting because I was worried about him being annoyed with me for having people wake him up. I’ve been trying to tell myself that in all likelihood, even if I was in the house, I wouldn’t have known because he looked so peaceful, he probably didn’t make a sound. Regardless.... all of those what if’s are just total agony right now.... Always trust your instincts."

Originally posted via social media shortly after the Covid 19 lockdowns began, guitarist Garland Triest offered a message of hope. It would be his last public appearance.

   Longtime AngelragE fans were left stunned with the announcement that original drummer Matt Rutherford would not be playing on the band's forthcoming Heresy CD. Guitarist Garland Triest relayed via social media, "It is with great sadness I announce that our dear Matt is no longer able to continue with us on our journey. I will be forever proud of what he and I accomplished with AngelragE and he will always be a part of the family. His contributions were truly profound and he will be greatly missed. Please join us in wishing him the very best and also in welcoming our new drummer, Dean Guldswog. Dean and I worked together in the late 1980s and early 1990s and aside from being my best friend from back home, he is a world class drummer who is more than capable of stepping up to the challenge of bringing these new songs to life and doing Matt’s legacy justice as well as bringing his own technical expertise to the band. We are currently working on completing demos for the Heresy album and stoked to be working together again! Stay tuned!"