Drummers are often the backbone of a band, but for Ken Bedene, that role took on a very different weight recently. After over a decade with Belgian death metal outfit Aborted, Bedene has stepped away from the group under a cloud of controversy stemming from an online interaction that made the rounds on social media.
The issue surfaced quickly: one day, there was a quiet announcement about Bedene’s departure, and the next, fans were sharing screenshots of a conversation that many found troubling. The post, which appeared to show Bedene engaged in a private chat with a young girl, triggered immediate backlash. Although the authenticity of the screenshots hasn’t been officially verified, the buzz online was loud and persistent enough that people started demanding answers.
Ken Bedene eventually released a statement. In it, he admitted the exchange happened and clarified that the person involved had claimed to be of legal age. He said the conversation never became illegal, but he also acknowledged it didn’t sit right, especially considering his role in a well-known band with a younger fan base.
“I messed up,” he wrote, in so many words. He apologized to the band, to his wife, and to fans who had supported him for years. The kind of apology that doesn’t ask for a pass, just puts the facts out and says, “I know better now.”
Aborted, on their part, kept things mostly professional. No finger-pointing. Just a clean break. Maybe they were trying to protect their legacy or maybe they were trying to keep the focus on the music. Either way, they quickly brought in Kevin Paradis, a well-known name in extreme metal circles, to handle drum duties on tour. Paradis has a killer reputation behind the kit and isn’t expected to miss a beat.
Reactions in the metal community have been mixed. Some have applauded Bedene’s choice to step down, seeing it as a mature and respectful move. Others have voiced frustration, either questioning the severity of the incident or demanding clearer answers. The band, for its part, appears focused on forward motion, offering few public remarks and sticking close to their work.
For Bedene, the road ahead remains uncertain. His statement closed with a note about stepping away from the spotlight to spend time with his family and reflect. “I’m not sure what comes next,” he said, “but I know I need to take some time.”
Aborted moves on, Paradis steps in, and Bedene fades into the background, for now. Whether there’s a second act in store for him remains to be seen.