Guitarist / songwriter has announced the reversal of his September 2024 decision to cease all musical operations. He has issued the followingstatement:
"After a few months away from the guitar and the pressure to create, I feel completely re-energized and inspired. My friend had sent me some footage of my 'final' live performance and I realized this is what I want to do, for as long as I can. The scene may be crowded and ridiculous, but I've decided other bands and musicians should pack it up, not me
When I told my wife I was done she told me to at least leave a guitar accessible and something to record ideas in case inspiration strikes. It opened the floodgates and I recorded a new Waxen album, and I am currently in the middle of making a traditional heavy metal album, and an instrumental EP. I'm not recording under the Onward name anymore, though. These three projects will be released in the spring / summer of 2025 and I'll resume playing live once they're out.
I don't look at music as a career anymore but rather, the ultimate hobby".
Knapp's new music will be released by Moribund Records, Shredguy Records and a soon to be announced third label.
In September 2024, Knapp announced his retirement from the metal scene with the following message:
"It is with a not so heavy heart that I announce the disbanding of Onward, Waxen and my self titled solo project. I have noticed more and more in recent years that these things feel more like a task than a joyous pursuit."
"The music business model has changed and decades ago, at my peak, fans bought magazines, read articles and went to record shops. For a band to get on the map - they worked hard and earned a recording contract, we had gate keepers. Nowadays, everybody is everything with the putrid narcissism of social media and the many new avenues of self promotion. I just can't get on board with it."
"I think the heavy metal and highly toxic 'shred guitar' scene is just an oversaturated mess. I spent the last decade recording albums, a combination of CDs, LPs, EPs and collaborations that surpass 20 releases. There really isn't anything more to say musically. I also don't want to be an old man on a stage and at that final gig, I was starting to feel that way."
"It was a cool ride though, I lived a lot of my dreams but now it's Onward to other things! Thanks to those fans who supported my tunes all these years."
"Thank You! Toby"
