In a surprising turn of events, a renowned guitarist and songwriter has announced the reversal of his decision to cease all musical operations. After a brief hiatus, he has found a renewed sense of inspiration and is ready to embark on a new creative journey, much to the delight of his loyal fanbase.

A Musician's Resurgence: Embracing the Passion Once More

Rediscovering the Joy of Music

After a few months away from the guitar and the pressure to create, the musician has found himself completely re-energized and inspired. The catalyst for this change was a video recording of his "final" live performance, which made him realize that this is what he truly wants to do, for as long as he can. The decision to continue his musical pursuits was further reinforced by his wife's encouragement, who suggested that he keep a guitar accessible and a means to record ideas in case inspiration struck. This simple gesture opened the floodgates, and the musician has since recorded a new album with his band Waxen, as well as an upcoming traditional heavy metal album and an instrumental EP.

Redefining the Approach

The musician has decided to move away from the Onward name and focus on these three new projects, which will be released in the spring and summer of 2025. He has also expressed a shift in his perspective, no longer viewing music as a career but rather as the ultimate hobby. This change in mindset has allowed him to approach his craft with a renewed sense of passion and freedom, unencumbered by the pressures and expectations of the industry.

Embracing the Evolving Music Landscape

The musician's initial decision to retire was partly driven by his frustration with the changing landscape of the music industry. He had observed the shift towards a more self-promotional and narcissistic approach, where "everybody is everything" and the traditional gatekeepers of the industry have been replaced by the putrid narcissism of social media. However, the musician has now found a way to navigate this new reality and embrace the opportunities it presents, while staying true to his artistic vision.

Reclaiming the Joy of Live Performance

One of the key factors that led the musician to reverse his decision was the realization that he still derives immense joy from live performances. The footage of his "final" show made him recognize that this is what he truly loves to do, and he is now eager to resume playing live once his new projects are released. This renewed enthusiasm for the stage will undoubtedly be welcomed by his devoted fans, who have followed his musical journey over the years.

Embracing the Challenges of the Metal Scene

The musician's initial statement had expressed his frustration with the "oversaturated mess" of the heavy metal and "highly toxic 'shred guitar' scene." However, he has now decided to confront these challenges head-on, recognizing that the scene may be crowded and ridiculous, but that he still has a place within it. This determination to persevere and contribute to the genre he loves is a testament to the musician's unwavering passion and commitment to his craft.

A Prolific Discography and a Desire for Artistic Growth

Over the past decade, the musician has amassed an impressive discography, with a combination of CDs, LPs, EPs, and collaborations that surpass 20 releases. Despite this prolific output, he has not felt that he has exhausted his creative potential. Instead, he sees these new projects as an opportunity to continue exploring his musical abilities and pushing the boundaries of his artistry, further cementing his legacy as a respected and influential figure in the metal scene.