Jason Richardson Reflects on Departure from ALL THAT REMAINS

Decision to Leave

In a recent interview with Guitar World, Jason Richardson opened up about his departure from ALL THAT REMAINS last July after nearly seven years with the band. When asked if it was a difficult decision, he responded, "Kind of, but not, simultaneously." He emphasized that the decision was primarily a business one rather than a personal conflict, stating, "I don’t wanna get into the weeds of it publicly, but I’m still cool with all of the guys in the band."

Richardson elaborated on the challenges he faced regarding management and the release of the band’s tenth album, Antifragile, which came out in 2025. He expressed his disappointment with how the business side of things was handled, noting, "There hasn’t been one show," since the album’s release. He added, "So it’s, like, there’s just a lot of things on the business side in the back end that I was not happy with at all."

Fond Memories and Future Prospects

Despite the challenges, Richardson remains positive about his time with ALL THAT REMAINS. "I still love the guys. I love the record," he shared, highlighting his collaboration with producer Josh Wilbur as a significant positive aspect of his experience. "He’s phenomenal," Richardson continued, expressing excitement about continuing to work with Wilbur in the future.

In January, it was announced that Ken Susi, former guitarist of UNEARTH and AS I LAY DYING, would replace Richardson in ALL THAT REMAINS.

Early Musical Journey

Richardson’s musical journey began in Manassas, Virginia, where he was surrounded by music from a young age. His father, a musician, introduced him to various instruments. Initially taking piano lessons, Richardson later tried violin and drums, ultimately gravitating towards the guitar to express his songwriting aspirations. At the age of 12, he received a gothic black Gibson Les Paul from his father, which sparked an obsession with the instrument and led him to practice relentlessly.

His admiration for DREAM THEATER and the song "This Dying Soul" motivated him to purchase a seven-string guitar, which he did at 14. His innovative playing style began to take shape during his time in a local band called GALLOWS HILL, where he collaborated with future VEIL OF MAYA bassist Danny Hauser.

Career Highlights

Richardson’s career took a significant turn when he won an audition for ALL SHALL PERISH, leading him to leave high school three months before graduation to tour for ten months. Afterward, he played with BORN OF OSIRIS, contributing to the album The Discovery. Following his stint with BORN OF OSIRIS, he joined CHELSEA GRIN, where he recorded multiple projects until 2015.

Shortly after departing from CHELSEA GRIN, Richardson launched a successful crowdfunding campaign for his debut solo album, which was released in 2016. He played many instruments on the album himself and collaborated with various artists, showcasing his versatility.

In 2018, Richardson joined ALL THAT REMAINS as lead guitarist following the tragic loss of the band’s co-founding member, Oli Herbert. His subsequent solo work, including the album II released in 2022, featured collaborations with notable musicians and further solidified his reputation in the music industry.

Conclusion

Jason Richardson’s departure from ALL THAT REMAINS marks a new chapter in his musical journey. While business challenges influenced his decision, his passion for music and collaboration remains strong. As he moves forward, fans can look forward to more innovative works from this talented guitarist.

FAQs

Q: Why did Jason Richardson leave ALL THAT REMAINS?
A: Richardson cited business-related issues and dissatisfaction with management as the primary reasons for his departure.

Q: Who replaced Jason Richardson in ALL THAT REMAINS?
A: Ken Susi, former guitarist of UNEARTH and AS I LAY DYING, officially joined ALL THAT REMAINS as Richardson’s replacement.

Q: What is Jason Richardson’s musical background?
A: Richardson grew up in a musically inclined household, initially taking piano lessons before transitioning to guitar, which became his primary instrument.

Q: What are some of Richardson’s notable collaborations?
A: He has worked with various artists including FALLING IN REVERSE, POLYPHIA, AUGUST BURNS RED, and VEIL OF MAYA.

Q: When was Richardson’s debut solo album released?
A: His debut solo album was released in the summer of 2016, following a successful crowdfunding campaign.