Jesus Piece Members Declare Band “Dead for Some Time” and Call Frontman’s New Project “A Mockery”

Jesus Piece members reveal the band’s end and criticize frontman Aaron Heard’s new project JE$US PIECE as a disrespectful spin on their legacy.

Jesus Piece - a defining force in hardcore music over the last decade

When a Band Ends, Sometimes the Story Isn’t Over

If you’ve been following the hardcore scene closely, the news about Jesus Piece might hit like a gut punch. The Philadelphia band, known for crushing heavy riffs and raw intensity, has officially been declared “dead for some time” by its remaining members. And it’s not just a quiet breakup—there’s a sting in their words aimed at frontman Aaron Heard, who’s launched a new band under a nearly identical name: JE$US PIECE.

This fresh iteration is not receiving a warm welcome from those who built the original band’s reputation. David Updike, John Distefano, and Luis Aponte, the surviving members, took to Instagram to set the record straight after Heard reshared promotion for a festival appearance by JE$US PIECE. The message was clear: “Jesus Piece has been dead for some time.”

The Split: More Than Just a Band Breakup

The backstory is a mix of personal decisions and artistic integrity. The original Jesus Piece ended after a decade of hard work and two critically acclaimed albums, when Aaron Heard abruptly quit the group for personal reasons. The remaining trio felt it was wrong to continue without him, choosing to bring the band’s journey to a natural close.

However, Heard’s new project JE$US PIECE, carrying on the sonic torch but under a slightly altered moniker, stirred the pot. When he posted about his band playing the One Big Party festival in Phoenix this October, it raised eyebrows—and a firm response from his former bandmates.

“Anything you see associated with this name or similar, playing our music and using our art, is not related to anything we worked for over the last 10 years,” the statement read.
“To try and continue that without us or in spite of us, is a mockery of what we’ve done and tried to do.”

The bitterness is palpable and understandable. After all, Jesus Piece wasn’t just a band; it was a collective effort, a shared vision that transformed lives and left a mark on hardcore music.

Heard’s New Band JE$US PIECE: A Controversial Chapter

Aaron Heard’s new band JE$US PIECE is stepping out into the scene with a name that’s practically a twin to the original, right down to the hardcore roots. His Instagram bio and posts reflect pride in this next chapter, even as the original members disavow it.

When they took to Instagram stories, the original members were blunt: “We never accepted this fest. No idea who JE$US PIECE is.” This highlights how disconnected Heard’s new venture is from the history and people who made Jesus Piece what it was.

Reflecting on Jesus Piece’s Legacy

Jesus Piece’s impact can’t be overstated. Formed in Philadelphia back in 2015, the band carved out a niche with their aggressive yet precise style of hardcore. Their 2018 album Only Self and 2023’s … So Unknown both garnered praise, cementing their place in the genre’s landscape.

For fans who followed their journey, the sense of loss is real—not just for the band’s end but for the fracturing of what once felt like a solid unit. The split and subsequent feud over the name and legacy add a bittersweet tone to the band’s story.

What’s Next for Fans of Jesus Piece?

While the original band’s members have disbanded and distanced themselves from JE$US PIECE, the music scene always moves forward. Heard’s new project will likely attract attention, but many fans remain loyal to the original lineup’s ethos and history.

Sometimes, bands end so memories and music can stand on their own. Other times, new chapters open, but with controversy in tow. For Jesus Piece fans, it’s a complicated mix of nostalgia, pride, and frustration.

FAQ

• Why do the original members say Jesus Piece is dead?
  The band ended after Aaron Heard left abruptly for personal reasons, and the remaining members felt it was wrong to continue without him.
• What is JE$US PIECE?
  It’s a new band started by former Jesus Piece frontman Aaron Heard, using a similar name but not recognized by the original members.
• Are the remaining members involved with JE$US PIECE?
  No, they have disavowed JE$US PIECE and have no connection to it.
• What albums did Jesus Piece release?
  They released Only Self in 2018 and … So Unknown in 2023.
• Why is the original band upset about JE$US PIECE?
  They consider it a mockery of the original band’s music and art, especially since it continues without the full original lineup.

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