DIETH have signed a new record deal with Fireflash Records and unveiled a new lineup. Swedish bassist Tobias Cristiansson replaces David Ellefson, as announced in a statement shared on Instagram. The band also revealed its first new single, “Pound of Flesh.”
The announcement centered on the band’s new chapter. The label confirmed both the signing and the lineup change.
“DIETH signs new record deal with Fireflash Records, reveal new line-up featuring Tobias Cristiansson (GRAVE, NECROPHOBIC, EX-DISMEMBER) and announce first new single ‘Pound of Flesh’!” Fireflash Records said.
DIETH vocalist and guitarist Guilherme Miranda also commented on the record deal. He described the partnership as a natural fit for the band’s direction.
“This feels like the right home for us, as they share our vision of where we can take the band,” Miranda said. “We’ve poured our heart and soul into this new music, and I honestly couldn’t be more excited about what we have in store. New lineup, new music, new album — this is just the beginning.”
Miranda also spoke about the new single. He said “Pound of Flesh” was written with a deliberately heavy approach.
“‘Pound Of Flesh’ is brutal, and that’s exactly what I wanted this song to be. Musically and lyrically, it’s one of my favorite things we’ve done,” he said. “I’m very excited because it’s a new chapter for DIETH. I really can’t wait for you guys to hear and see what we’ve been working on!”
Miranda also addressed Ellefson’s departure and Cristiansson’s arrival. He welcomed his longtime friend to the band.
“It’s a pleasure to welcome my longtime friend Tobias to DIETH. His history speaks for itself, and he fits perfectly with what we’re building. I’m beyond happy and honored to have him with us for this new chapter,” he said.
The change closes the first chapter of a band that Ellefson helped start. Here is how DIETH got to this point.
Ellefson founded DIETH after his split with Megadeth. Megadeth parted ways with the bassist in May 2021. DIETH then became his main vehicle for returning to recording and releasing new music.
The original lineup paired Ellefson with Miranda, formerly of Entombed A.D., and drummer Michał Łysejko, formerly of Decapitated. They played a death-thrash style that mixed technical death metal with thrash.
The group released its debut full-length, “To Hell and Back,” on June 2, 2023, through Napalm Records. The album is the band’s only full-length release so far. The new Fireflash Records deal is therefore its first label change.
“Pound of Flesh” is scheduled for release on October 16. It will be the first new music from DIETH since the lineup change and the first under the new deal. Miranda has also confirmed that a new album is on the way.
