Australian death metallers DEATH AUDIO have issued the following update:

"This is a sad time for Death Audio when we have to say farewell to our guitarist and good friend Fabian Kahwati. Fabian is not only ending his career with Death Audio, but he is hanging his guitars up forever and leaving his music career behind as an accomplished and cherished memory."

Fabian states: “Alas, it is time. After 22 years of playing in bands I have decided to hang my guitars up and call it a day.

Of course I have had an amazing journey. Playing in Death Audio and NOTHING have certainly been the highlights. Playing shows and touring with bands like SOILWORK, CHILDREN OF BODOM and AMON AMARTH was incredible. Slamming out on stage at Soundwave was a dream realized. The many friends, both old and new, that have shared these experiences with me on this journey have definitely made it all worthwhile.

It's been tough though. Vivid memories ring true the fact that the recording of The Torture Of The Nameless was some of the most hardest and rewarding months I have ever experienced throughout my musical career. In saying that, I must also share the overwhelming joy and accomplishment that followed when we listened back to the final product.

But my life has also in many ways taken a backseat on this rollercoaster ride of playing in a band and now with my marriage bearing the brunt of this impact with separation, my time is compressed between my child, a blooming work career and music.

So it is sadly time that I announce that I’m leaving Death Audio behind. Just as I felt it was certainly on its way up with the high profile shows and the up coming album, Unfortunately, I truly know what the band needs of me I can no longer give.

I would also like to include a sincere thank you to the companies that believed in and supported me. To the friendships that have been forged, see you out there.

Thanks to my Death Audio and Nothing brothers for having me. Love y'all wildcats.”

Death Audio continue: "The memories of Fabian since the start of Death Audio have been amazing! From learning our full set in 2 weeks, to playing some of the most incredible shows, from flashing his junk on stage to drunken times on the road. The past year has been extremely tough for Fabian, and we are happy that we were there to support him through that time as mates and with music. Fabian will be finishing up his career in music with our upcoming three shows.

Another change in Death Audio…

The time for change begins in the year 2011, as we said in 2009… 2010 is the year of Death Audio. We have been through a tough year of member changes and struggles to get this album completed. But we have accomplished more than we ever expected. From sharing the stage with incredible bands at Soundwave , and tearing up various other venue’s stage’s with bands such as UNEARTH, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, HELLYEAH and SOILWORK.

To kick off D.A 2011, formally on bass and vocals, Jaymz Phillips will take Fabians position as a guitarist. Jaymz had always wanted to play guitar in a band ever since the start of his musical career and proudly states, “I am finally doing what I do best; this is when my real musical talent will be exposed!”

The search for a new bass player has already started and we have been gifted with many talented players in recent weeks. We also would like to hear from more players that are interested in being the final piece of the Death Audio puzzle, please email bookings@deathaudio.com if a musical career with your bass is the path of life you choose. Either way we should be announcing a player in the upcoming weeks, so get on it.

Last show of the year...

We have decided to treat our fans with a final show for 2010, next Thursday December 30th. Joining us on stage will be INVOLUME and CRASH & BURN! So make sure you come down to this show and help us send off 2010 in style!

Death Audio will be starting off 2011 by joining DARKEST HOUR and CARNIFEX on two shows:

Thursday, January 6th - Wagga:Open:Air - Music Bowl, Wagga Wagga NSW (All Ages). Tickets available from Moshtix on 1300 438 849, www.moshtix.com.au and all Moshtix outlets or Billy Hyde Music, Wagga Wagga

Friday, January 7th - The Hi-Fi, Melbourne VIC (18+). Tickets available from www.thehifi.com.au, 1300 The Hifi, all Oztix outlets including Greville Records and Polyester Records

This will also be Fabian’s final show, and his final time on stage with his guitars. So we would like you all to come along and join us in this celebration so that we can send Fabian off in the manner that he deserves. Come party D.A style!

Death Audio would like to wish all our supporters / fans a Merry Christmas and a Metal New Year! We would also like to thank you for your support through out 2010! In the next year Death Audio will be set to reign supreme upon the flourishing world music scene. With an insane lineup of crazy shows and the release of our muchly anticipated album! Come and join us on our journey as we would love all of our supporters to become a part of it, get your friends to sign up to www.deathaudio.com for latest news, free downloads, goss and sneak peaks of what exciting things are just around the corner.

Stay true, stay proud."