Drummer Patrick Galante has officially left Ice Nine Kills, and the band has named Mike Cortada as his replacement.
“This is not my departure from music,” Galante said on social media Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. “This is not my retirement from the stage. This is just the ending of a chapter, and I’m ready to explore the rest of my story. I am happy, healthy and thankful for all your support.”
Citing health reasons, Galante had been absent from Ice Nine Kills’ live shows since summer 2024, with Adam Reed, who also performs in the band Hawk alongside Ice Nine Kills guitarist Ricky Armellino, filling in. However, the band’s new music video, “A Work of Art,” introduces Cortada as its new drummer. Cortada has worked with Ice Nine Kills—and a plethora of other bands, including A Day to Remember, I Prevail and Falling in Reverse—for many years as an artist, designing album covers and merch.
Galante had been a member of Ice Nine Kills since 2018 and appeared on the 2021 album “The Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood.”
“Performing with Ice Nine Kills has been an incredible experience and I can’t thank my brothers in INK enough for their trust and faith in me throughout the past 6 years,” Galante said on social media.
“That being said, I have made the difficult decision to part ways with Ice Nine Kills. I’m excited to watch INK continue their success as I pursue other creative and musical projects.
“I would like to thank you all for your continued support of my endeavors. I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life and career, so keep your eyes and ears open for what’s to come.”