In a turn of events few saw coming, the legendary doom metal band My Dying Bride is stepping back into the live music scene after their unexpected hiatus in 2024. The break was announced ahead of the release of their record “A Mortal Binding,” with guitarist Andrew Craighan citing “live problems,” while vocalist Aaron Stainthorpe later disclosed the band was taking a break to avoid a more permanent dissolution.
Now, the band has revealed their plans for a comeback performance at the Rockmaraton Fesztivál in 2025. While the return is exciting, we are left wondering about Stainthorpe’s absence. In his place, My Dying Bride has enlisted Swallow The Sun vocalist Mikko Kotamäki as a “very special guest” to front the band for their live shows. The announcement, shared via social media, has sparked both enthusiasm and curiosity about the band’s future lineup.
“My Dying Bride are thrilled to announce their return to the stage in 2025!” read the post. “After a small, ‘hiatus’, live shows are set to recommence, featuring a very special guest on vocals: Mikko Kotamäki from Swallow The Sun. We warmly welcome Mikko, who has graciously joined the MDB live setup, enabling us to bring both new and classic songs back to the stage.”
The band expressed excitement about promoting “A Mortal Binding” live, alongside timeless classics, beginning with their confirmed performance at Rockmaraton Fesztivál in Hungary, set for July 3–5, 2025: “With this year’s monumental album A Mortal Binding now well into establishing itself as a Doom Metal success, the band is at last ready to promote it live along with seasoned classics of course. Stay tuned for further announcements—and let’s also give a big welcome to Mikko!”
As anticipation builds for the band’s return, questions linger about Stainthorpe’s future with My Dying Bride. For now, we can look forward to a reimagined live experience that blends their iconic doom metal legacy with Kotamäki’s powerful vocals.
