In a move that’s caught fans by surprise, longtime drummer Ken Bedene is no longer part of Aborted. The Belgian death metal band announced the news quietly through a brief social media post, stating that Bedene is out “effective immediately”, and that they’ll be moving forward with a new drummer for their upcoming European tour.
After 15 years behind the kit, Ken Bedene had become one of the band’s longest-standing members, joining in 2010 and helping define Aborted’s relentless rhythm section across some of their most technically demanding material. From Global Flatline through TerrorVision, his drumming helped shape the sound of modern Aborted: precise, punishing, and mechanically tight.
The statement didn’t offer much in the way of explanation. No fallout, no farewell, just a firm line: “Effective immediately, Ken Bedene is no longer a member of Aborted. The upcoming European tour is going forward as planned, with blast duties being handled by none other than Kevin Paradis.”
Bedene has not issued any public comment so far, and his Instagram, once active, has now disappeared, adding another layer of uncertainty to the situation. Whether this was a planned parting or something less amicable remains unclear, but the timing and tone suggest the decision came swiftly.
Stepping into the role is Kévin Paradis, a powerhouse player known for his speed and control with Benighted. Paradis has earned a strong reputation in the extreme metal community, and fans familiar with his work won’t doubt his ability to handle Aborted’s demanding setlists. If anything, his addition hints at the band doubling down on technical brutality heading into the next tour.
For Bedene, the departure closes a major chapter. His playing style is a blend of surgical precision and stamina, which helped carry Aborted through a particularly prolific era. His drum work wasn’t just fast; it was clean, articulate, and consistent, even across some of the genre’s most unforgiving tempos. He brought structure to chaos, and for a band like Aborted, that’s no small feat.
With Paradis now confirmed and tour dates approaching, Aborted is pushing forward. But for fans who’ve followed the band through the last decade and a half, Bedene’s absence will be noticeable, not just for the playing, but for the presence. Fifteen years is a long run in any band, especially in a genre built on speed, turnover, and intensity.
Where Bedene goes next is still a question. But for now, Aborted begins a new era, and the drums, as ever, will be front and center.