Username
Password


  Remember Me

    





















GUNS N' ROSES
"Chinese Democracy"
Chinese Democracy





MASTER
"Slaves to Society"
Slaves to Society





GOJIRA
"The Way of All Flesh"
The Way of All Flesh





CYNIC
"Traced in Air"
Traced in Air





VIKING SKULL
"Doom, Gloom, Heartache & Whiskey"
Doom, Gloom, Heartache & Whiskey









Last Updated: December 1, 2008 4:58 PM




DIVINE HERESY Members Respond To Former Singer's 'False' Claims - May 5, 2008
DIVINE HERESY members Joe Payne (bass) and Tim Yeung (drums) have released a statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET in response to claims by the band's former vocalist Tommy Cummings (a.k.a. Tommy Vext) that DIVINE HERESY mainman Dino Cazares' "massive ego" and "abusive mentality" ultimately caused Tommy's departure from the group.

In his videotaped statement (see below) which was released last week via the Metal Injection web site, Tommy stated about his split with DIVINE HERESY, "I've been suffering the indignities of Dino's massive ego for as long as I've worked with him, and unfortunately everything I've heard about him had eventually come to fruition, and he is exactly as he's been portrayed as by his ex-band members. And this happening now is the same reason why he's not in FEAR FACTORY anymore. It was a stepping stone in my life and I'm moving on."

Tommy added, "Dino has pushed around Tim physically, verbally and emotionally, as well as Joe, as long as they've been working with him, and they're willing to put up with it because they look at Dino as a meal ticket, potentially."

The following statement statement from DIVINE HERESY members Joe Payne (bass) and Tim Yeung (drums) was sent to BLABBERMOUTH.NET on Sunday, May 4:

"Our primary goal with this press release is to stop the drama and mudslinging, so we, as DIVINE HERESY, and everybody involved can move on with our lives and put this issue to rest.

"It is unfortunate that our situation with Tommy Cummings has become so ugly.

"The decision to remove Tommy Cummings from DIVINE HERESY was not solely Dino Cazares'. It was a decision we made as a band.

"We have had some major issues with Tommy in the past and given him many second chances to be what DH needed him to be. However, his actions at the Poughkeepsie, NY show were completely unacceptable and unprofessional.

"Yes, there were some monitor problems that night, but no PA problems, and we understood that Tommy wanted to cut the set short for various reasons, but we were contractually bound with the promoter to play a full set or else he could have refused to pay us. Mostly we wanted to give the fans their money's worth.

"It was not only Dino's call to play the last song. We agreed to do it and Tommy was just outvoted.

"In a recent video interview, Tommy Vext responded very harshly to the statements Dino made in our first statement regarding our recent split with him. Tommy made a lot of negative and character-degrading remarks about Dino, which were exaggerated and blown out of proportion and false.

"First thing to clear up: Dino Cazares has more than proven to be a very fair and trustworthy business partner. We generally listen to him because he does have the most experience and knowledge. Dino really does work his ass off 24 hours a day for this band.

"Lastly, we do not consider this band to be a 'meal ticket' for us. It is a passion and an opportunity to do something great with our musical abilities.

"We wish Tommy much success in his future endeavors. We would also like to thank all of the bands we have toured with and a special thanks to all our fans for your undying support.

"We are currently auditioning vocalists and are looking forward to seeing you all on the upcoming ARCH ENEMY tour."

DIVINE HERESY's debut album, "Bleed The Fifth", has sold more than 20,000 copies in the United States since its August 2007 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD was released in Japan with an exclusive bonus track, "Purity Defiled".

Tommy Cummings' videotaped statement:



DIVINE HERESY's "Failed Creation" video:

To report any abusive, obscene, defamatory, racist, homophobic or threatening comments, or anything that may violate any applicable laws, please send an e-mail to bmouth@bellatlantic.net with pertinent details. Anyone posting such material will be immediately and permanently banned. IP addresses are recorded to aid us in enforcing these conditions.
COMMENT |
posted by : hybrid-god
5/5/2008 12:00:43 PM

A very good mature response to Tommy's accusations! Sounds like he is the idiot that asked for it!! I should have known since he looks like he waxes his eyebrows!! Oh well, back into the unknown pit you go!!! CHEERS!

COMMENT | O_O
posted by : executionstyle
5/5/2008 12:08:26 PM

Wow... Really...[?]

COMMENT |
posted by : Tatann
5/5/2008 12:09:51 PM

anyway, he was the weakest link in the band
I don't know about their bassist but Cazares and Yeung deserve a better vocalist, more extreme and less "metalcore"-ish

COMMENT | im with you
posted by : MIKE W
5/5/2008 12:10:47 PM

tommy. I couldnt work with that guy either.

COMMENT | Howard Jones...
posted by : ffchief25
5/5/2008 12:16:52 PM

I had no idea Howard Jones assumed the name Tommy Vext and sang for Divine Heresy

COMMENT | Ok Enough With The Drama
posted by : Cloud Connected
5/5/2008 12:30:33 PM

Just call Michael Bøgballe (ex Mnemic) or Lawrence Mackory (ex Darkane) and we'll be fine ok?


NO METALCORE SINGERS!!

COMMENT | im glad to hear from them
posted by : pullthetrigger
5/5/2008 12:31:10 PM

im happy to hear from these guys,i guess tommy was a real prick.
cant wait for the new singer.

COMMENT | Sorry Tommy
posted by : darkstarus
5/5/2008 12:33:06 PM

Back to Sesame Street with your Cookie Monster vocals
COOKIEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

COMMENT |
posted by : DeadonArrival83
5/5/2008 12:40:30 PM

they better hurry up and find a singer, the tour starts in like 4 days in Philly... which I'll be at.

COMMENT |
posted by : EL PENDEJO
5/5/2008 12:41:06 PM

COMMENT |
posted by : Tatann
5/5/2008 12:09:51 PM


anyway, he was the weakest link in the band
I don't know about their bassist but Cazares and Yeung deserve a better vocalist, more extreme and less "metalcore"-ish

---

I agree.


COMMENT | Tommy will get what he deserves
posted by : AbruisedAndDarkenedSoul
5/5/2008 12:42:27 PM

"We wish Tommy much success in his future endeavors"

in other words "would you like some fries with that"?

Can't wait for the new singer!!!

COMMENT |
posted by : metalocothaliens
5/5/2008 12:59:52 PM

it amazes me how you guys can be so fucking stupid! are you telling me that you actually believe that fat fuck known everywhere for being a prick over the singer who'd have no reason to lie.

COMMENT | /\/\/\/\
posted by : havokandrukus
5/5/2008 1:03:35 PM

Why would tim yeung lie? he's an established drummer,tommy is a nobody still.im sure if what tommy was true tim would of left long time ago.obviously tommy is just trying to get all the press he can get.
i hated the vocals anway.

COMMENT | Dino's Ego
posted by : Burnmyeyes72
5/5/2008 1:12:50 PM

At first, I thought that Dino's Ego, was too, false.

But, after this Dino's Got an Ego, I mean why treat his band members like this they're all awesome, The Drums are Fast & Heavy, & The Bass is Unbeleivable, & Tommy Vext is an Awesome Vocalist.

Dino's a Good Guitarist, but get over yourself, man, you already lost 2 awesome band chances.

COMMENT | scapegoat
posted by : libertyordeath
5/5/2008 1:27:33 PM

I think Dino is a easy target ,he's over wieght ,mexican and was in a succesfull band ,it's to easy to call him a fat ass egotistical mexican rockstar. You see what i'm saying?
I beleave Tommy has manipulated you all . Tim and Joe clearly state that they had major issues with this guy and gave him plenty of chances .
Cant wait for the new singer .


COMMENT | Tommy = shit
posted by : Salvation
5/5/2008 1:30:10 PM

Tommy = Shit
Tommy = Shit
Tommy = Shit

COMMENT | very professional
posted by : havokandrukus
5/5/2008 1:45:48 PM

thank you tim for laying it down how it is.i was beginning to worry and that maybe what tommy said was true, but that's fucked up that he looks at you guys that way, that meal ticket from tommy shows he has no respect for the great tim yeung or joe. tommy you just committed career suicide.


COMMENT | Read Please
posted by : texaschicksrock
5/5/2008 1:55:05 PM

Funny to see so many ppl putting down Tommy, ok if your reading up on the loss of Tommy obviously you were/are a DH fan! At their last show I went to I didnt hear one complaint out of anyone about his performance. I think its a damn shame they kicked him out but both parties will come out stronger in the long run. Tommy has a great voice and he is a very energetic artist onstage!!!!

COMMENT | WAY TO GO DINO
posted by : dirtydean12
5/5/2008 1:55:47 PM

YOU FUCKED IT UP WITH THE LEGENDARY FEAR FACTORY AND NOW YOU'VE FUCKED UP ANOTHER GOOD BAND...GET THE HINT FATTY, NO ONE LIKES YOUR FUCKIN EGO, IN MY OPINION YOU OWE YOUR FAME TO BURTON C BELL ANYWAY, OBVIOUSLY AS SEEN ON ARCHETYPE YOU'RE REPLACEABLE, BURTON MADE FEAR FACTORY WHAT IT WAS NOT YOU!

COMMENT | Dino
posted by : jessemb84
5/5/2008 1:58:31 PM

How the hell is Dino a prick?

Shit the man signed my fucking pack of cigarettes cuz I was too poor to buy a poster or cd.

Same thing with my nephew.. he signed his shoe.

He was also cool enough to chop it up with us for a little bit and give us a little insight on what he was up to.

I've been around a lot of egotistical band members, most of which wont even look you in the fucking eye. Dino's a good man though, and a hell of a guitar player. I hope they pick up a good vocalist, good call on Michael Bøgballe and Lawrence Mackory, Cloud Connected. Although I don't think it'll happen, those are some bad ass singers right there. Especially Lawrence Mackory, Darkane destroyed with him.

COMMENT | ooooooo
posted by : jg66680
5/5/2008 1:59:09 PM

so that would explain why he wasn't at the wedding......

COMMENT | Dude get over it FF is Done
posted by : AbruisedAndDarkenedSoul
5/5/2008 2:00:43 PM

This is about Tommy being fired by DH
if tim said they gave tommy several chances and had major issues with him why would i not believe it? tim has no reason to lie.

Bottom line tommy enjoy your 15 minutes. you are DONE!

Cant wait for the Arch Enemy tour Wooohoo!!!!!

COMMENT |
posted by : Neil Young's Cocaine Booger
5/5/2008 2:00:51 PM

Sounds like Tommy's got a bad case of the commonly known "LSD" syndrome.

Everytime I've met Dino, he has been nothing but cool. He even posed for a picture with my sister one time(she was 11 at the time and had no clue who Fear Factory was.) at a record store called Rock Of Ages!!!!

Looking forward to the Arch Enemy show.....

COMMENT |
posted by : tonyallthesixes
5/5/2008 2:01:55 PM

didnt like the vocals anyway and dino is a wanker long live FF.

COMMENT | dirtydean12
posted by : Neil Young's Cocaine Booger
5/5/2008 2:11:06 PM

Ummmm....wasn't it Burton who was on here last week, bashing other musicians?????

Ever wonder why Burton wasn't invited back to G//Z/R????

COMMENT | tommy is a scumbag
posted by : pullthetrigger
5/5/2008 2:15:43 PM

the worst of its kind! i hated the vocals but now even more. tim and dino are the shit together! tommy is easily replaceble. fuck him!

COMMENT | Neil Young's Cocaine Booger
posted by : moogy
5/5/2008 2:16:29 PM

Rock of Ages in Garden City? I used to go there all the time! I met Slayer there!

COMMENT |
posted by : Silent_Assassin
5/5/2008 2:24:33 PM

What I find hilarious about all this is that when the first article came out, everyone was jumping all over Tommy like he was the biggest asshole, then his video was released and everyone jumping all over Dino and his ego, and then right back where we started. I am not taking anyone's side because obviously someone is lying. There is really no way to tell who but, if you are going to pick a side, stay with it, and don't jump ship every time some new information comes out.

COMMENT | /\/\/\/\ silent assssin
posted by : havokandrukus
5/5/2008 2:32:20 PM

it might be true what you say,but this statement from tim and joe gave it some closure,it does make more sense,than tommy sitting there bashing away DH for 30 minutes with nothing else to say but bash.i cant wait for the new singer!

COMMENT | Tim and the other one
posted by : Polimar
5/5/2008 2:36:35 PM

were forced by Dino to write that bullshit.
Dino is well known to be a dick, just ask FF, FF fans, and band members who toured with him in general.
Tommy wasn't lying and Tim Yeung only drummed for death metal bands, and it's hard to make a living playing dm that's why he's lying. DH are indeed his "meal ticket". Same goes for Nile's ex bassist.
It's as clear as daylight....if you're NOT a gullible moron of course.

COMMENT | just talked to Tim
posted by : you think its easy?
5/5/2008 2:42:46 PM

just got off the phone with him.im not gonna talk shit but Tommy did not try and pull the stix away from him.he said Dino and Tommy can be difficult but overall Tommy didn't do anything for the band,he's very young with a big ego and those 2 don't mix if your gonna be in a band with Dino.

anyhow Tim sounds in good spirits i'm sure DH will be fine.

COMMENT | And I like DH don't get me wrong
posted by : Polimar
5/5/2008 2:48:20 PM

But I call a spade a spade.
NO IDOLS.

COMMENT | Lay off!
posted by : Mnemic_fan
5/5/2008 3:00:44 PM

Ayo! Lay off Tommys back man. He hasn't done shit, aight? He is just expressing his opinions and experiences around the band and Dino.
I wish him all the luck he can get, and hope that I'll see him again.


COMMENT | i said many times
posted by : AbruisedAndDarkenedSoul
5/5/2008 3:22:44 PM

in a few weeks Tommy who?

Divine Heresy on the road doing what they love with a new singer on a great tour with arch enemy.

Tommy kicking himself in the ass trying to get some more interviews to bash dino since that's all they will ever ask him.they dont care about his projects or how much steroids he takes they want him to talk about DINO!

My respects to Tim yeung and Joe payne for giving a pro statement.
and pointing out the truth!



COMMENT | I can't see Dino...
posted by : Typhoon
5/5/2008 5:21:57 PM

Bullying Tim and Joe around...I can see Tommy doing that cause he's the one with the anger issues...Maybe it's just an East Coast thing but he is a very angry young man!!! And yeas Tim could def go find work with a lot of other bands that would pay him well...So I think he is happy right where he is and like I said Dino being a bully??lol.....

COMMENT |
posted by : Danny-Demon
5/5/2008 5:31:00 PM

Idiots,

look at the facts dino left fear factory on bad terms cause of dino ego

now hit has forced tommy out

if tim and joe stand up for joke divine heresy is over as Dino is the main dude that decides everything

and ofc they wont to the band going as it's pretty successful so they released a statement which will of been agreed on by all including Dino

and its pretty gay to lip sync a song but if i was tommy i wuld of done it for the crowd as sign of respect

tbh he may be "metalcore" singer but its fucked ace tbh these guys kick killswitch engage's ass

the drums r amazing and the singing is more metallish than metalcore

tbh dino needs to get over himself hes a gr8 player even tho he never played a solo while in fear factory :/ but he can be a dick

COMMENT | wow
posted by : josh1982fla
5/5/2008 5:47:00 PM

these people need to grow up already, they are all acting like a bunch of friggen 12 year olds.... Tommy is out of the band,move on already

COMMENT | one things for sure
posted by : Grapenutz
5/5/2008 7:33:33 PM

Either Tim and Joe are telling the truth, and this brings the sad little story of Tommy Vext to an end.

or:

they are officially spineless pussies who blew their big chance to tell it how it really is.

Which one is it?


COMMENT | Hi. I'm Tommy, Dino and Timmy's former roomate...
posted by : ourladyofblades
5/5/2008 8:35:00 PM

Tommy had all the ambition in the world... but the kid had serious issues. We all shared a house in Los Angeles before the band signed and left for the road. As a tour manager myself I was concerned with how volatile Tommy was at times.
We let him live in our house for FREE for 6 months. We put up with his issues because we love and respect Dino and Timmy and knew this guy was going to be in their band and so we made the sacrifice. Deep down I knew one of two things would happen. Either Tommy would adjust perfectly to the road and all his issues would dissipate... or he would blow up at every hard situation they encountered. And that's exactly what happened. Tommy was kicked out of the band SEVERAL times. Dino still had faith for the kid in his heart and believed Tommy when he said he would change his ways and kept taking him back. Forget how big Dino's ego is. More like how big his HEART is to have taken so many risks to keep Tommy in the band. Tommy was warned on several occasions. "Do not put your hands on anyone in this band". He knew the consequences.
The band have already found a new vocalist. He arrived in town a couple nights ago. I'm not going to say who he is. I'll leave that to the boys. But I already have a feeling that this is going to be the positive change that's going to take Divine Heresy to all new heights. Look at what happened when Killswitch Engage got a new singer. Best thing that ever happened to them.
To all you ignorant people that have never even MET Dino and have negative things to say, go back and look at how fucking STUPID you sound. It's TOTALLY mature to judge someone you've never exchanged words with right? GROW UP.
Love Dino or hate him. You won't ever shake him. <3

COMMENT | My opinion that means nothing to anyone but me
posted by : yar200398
5/5/2008 9:04:12 PM

Bought the CD
I think it is very good
I would rate it a solid 7 out of 10
Excellent riffs, drums, and vocals.
Seen them live on Feb 14th 2008.
Not very good live band.
At least not that night.
Vocals were very weak and sounded lame without the studio processing.
The drums were kick ass.
Watching Dino play riffs up close was cool as hell, the guy can play.
But the whole band was kind of boring live.
No stage set up at all, No amps on stage or anything.
They used samples triggered by Tim on the drums, but somehow it all just sounded lame.
A very good CD, but not a good live band at all ( at least on that night, and everyone has a bad night once in awhile )

COMMENT | yar200398
posted by : C.I.U
5/5/2008 11:43:13 PM

Yeah, it would have been that night, coz when I saw them they sounded fine, album quality.

COMMENT | the vocals were
posted by : mc666isking
5/6/2008 1:02:56 AM

the weak link of their material. i hope they get a more death metal type of singer. not deathcore either. death metal!

COMMENT |
posted by : Danny-Demon
5/6/2008 5:33:44 AM

To the roommate guy, fine oki maybe tommy was the guy to blame,

but isnt it a big dodgy dino has had bad relationships witn both fear factory and Tommy both ended up in not talking to each other

I like tommy when i met him he was energetic and real nice, but so was dino, but i've heard a lot more shit about dino than i have tommy

but i love tim man he's amazing :)

COMMENT |
posted by : Joshmeshuggah
5/6/2008 7:58:40 AM

Dino has been around for years & years & years.
I've met him a few times and the nicest guy ever.


Tommy? before all of this, he was in Brooklyn...picking up trash in a school.
looking like L.L. Cool J.
if it wasn't for Dino, none of you would know of Tommy.
he'd be here in Brooklyn.



COMMENT | I fucking...
posted by : corpseeater
5/6/2008 12:52:07 PM

...love Divine Hershey and wish them all the best! Drama happens in bands all the time, they just don't glorify everyone's disputes as much as they do to Dino. Ah we need Peter Dolving back on here.

COMMENT | the roomate
posted by : ourladyofblades
5/6/2008 8:31:57 PM

I'm a GIRL. Not a guy.
And you have HEARD shit about Dino. Never experienced it have you? And how would you have heard shit about Tommy when he was a nobody 2 years ago? He's GREEN. Tommy had NEVER toured on such a big level before he was in Divine Heresy. Long story short HE COULDN'T HANDLE THE ROAD.

COMMENT | the roomate
posted by : ourladyofblades
5/6/2008 8:32:00 PM

I'm a GIRL. Not a guy.
And you have HEARD shit about Dino. Never experienced it have you? And how would you have heard shit about Tommy when he was a nobody 2 years ago? He's GREEN. Tommy had NEVER toured on such a big level before he was in Divine Heresy. Long story short HE COULDN'T HANDLE THE ROAD.

COMMENT | ourladyofblades is right!
posted by : jg66680
5/7/2008 12:35:16 PM

dino is one of the coolest guys, sure he might be a dick sometimes but look at the dumbasses he has to put up with! dino rocks! DH rocks! tim and joe did a good job with their response. DH will continue to kick ass with the new singer. can't wait till they tell the rest of u who it is!

COMMENT | Tommy's somewhat right
posted by : brujeriawascool
5/7/2008 2:37:27 PM

Dino's like those psycho/jealous/projecting girlfriends (who are coincidentally also usually disgustingly FAT, just like Dino and ourladyofblades) who don't let you be friends with other people. If you're in one of Dino's bands don't count on being friends with anyone that's in FF. Just ask Nick (Barker).

If you think that's reasonable, then you are a moron.



COMMENT | ourladyofblades
posted by : deathmetalleros
5/7/2008 4:32:43 PM

The best way to form the truest opinion about a person is to experience communication with him, that's right. But how on earth people form their opinions when they haven't got the opportunity to even meet the person? All they can do is to rely on facts and the history, so there's nothing extraordinary about people making rational judgements. I mean - yeah - in most cases people are being assholes and talking shit, but hell - that's pretty common nowadays. Just let it go.

DIVINE HERESY is a good band, perhaps they are not trying to reinvent the wheel or something, but they've got really good musicians and decent material out there. Tommy is fine, I don't think DH's new choice will be weaker than Vext... Tommy is easily replaceable.

Just go on with the show guys.

COMMENT | My opinion....
posted by : hellonstilettos
5/9/2008 10:22:48 PM

Tommy sucked, Dino is self centered and Tim needs to be in a band that appreciates his talent cause he fucking rocks on the drums...good chills

COMMENT |
posted by : gonzobold
5/11/2008 10:13:49 AM

I'm not gonna pretend like I graduated from uni with a PHD in Dino or Tommy Psychology, but I will say that I've met them both and I found Tommy more forthcoming and talkative than Dino.
They played an excellent set in Sydney with 3 other bands (KSE, From Autumn to Ashes and Shadows Fall) and wiped the stage with all 3 - by far DH were the best, most energetic band on the night.
As for taking sides, thats not my place to do so.
I see bands fall apart all the time, for many reasons. Some incredibly petty.
But as they say, there's 3 sides to every story - YOURS, MINE and the TRUTH!

COMMENT | Stupid idget's
posted by : darksoul999
5/13/2008 12:42:29 AM

You better think about, dont be stupid. Yeah dino is a prick and tommy is a winey b*tch. sounds like two 16 year old girls. The only people who are cool are Tim and Joe. Dino has always been kinda rude and well Tommy just dont like dino cause he was the boss.

COMMENT | not good
posted by : jerrio38
5/24/2008 2:49:12 AM

well i just saw Divine Heresy for the second time tonight with the Arch Enemy tour, and i was a little disapointed with the new singer, he diffinetely did not have the same range as tommy did.I will still support this band with buying cd`s and merchandise but its too bad the shit went south for them and tommy, i liked his vocals and performance.

COMMENT | Dino
posted by : sewerhead
6/5/2008 12:14:02 PM

For all of you who never met Dino personally ,i can tell you really you don't know the guy,he is ,totally dedicated to his bands,more than one that is ,and he is constantly trying to promote them the best he can,and touring is one way of doing this,just look at the scheduals,asesino,divine heresy ,he is a terrific and very prolific song writter,i know this because i work with the guy on numerous occations, he is demanding but he has to be,he is a business man,who also help other bands get deals and help a comunity of new commers get their foot in the business,and that was the case with Tommy.too bad he could not stand the life of the road.so with this lets hope a new chapter for Divine Heresy be a better one.



In order to post a comment, please log in first.
If you aren't signed up, sign up now.


BLABBERMOUTH.NET is run and operated independently of Roadrunner Records. The accuracy of the information contained herein is neither confirmed nor guaranteed by Roadrunner Records, and the views and opinions of authors expressed on these pages do not necessarily state or reflect those of Roadrunner Records or its employees.

|
Latest News | News Archive | CD Reviews | DVD Reviews | Contact | Submit News |
| Advertise | Wireless | Privacy Policy |

 
UPDATE YOUR PROFILE LOGOUT Latest News News Archive CD Reviews DVD Reviews Contact Submit News Advertise Wireless