Kevin Max is striking out on his own to launch a solo career once again. After nearly two years and over 150 shows, Audio Adrenaline has announced that Max is stepping down as the band’s lead singer. Josh Engler, formerly of the band Abandon, will become the group’s new lead vocalist.

Max, bass player Will McGinniss, drummer Jared Byers and guitarist Dwayne Larring composed Audio Adrenaline, and together, their efforts continued to share Audio A’s foundation, Hands & Feet Project, which was started by the band’s original lead singer, Mark Stuart, McGinniss and former bandmate Bob Herdman. The foundation is caring for “the least of these” in Haiti.

Audio Adrenaline also recently partnered with Teen Mania to provide a renewed worship experience for future Acquire The Fire events, and will join its founder Ron Luce in expanding the organization's worship programming. 

Max’s departure came out of a mutual decision between the artist and the band. The transition will allow Max to further pursue solo and creative opportunities through song and word.

Max wrote a letter explaining the reason for his new direction.

“When I was informed that Audio Adrenaline was moving forward into more of a 'Worship Music' direction, I had initial feelings of confusion and doubts,” he wrote. “However, I truly believe that whatever the band decides to do, they will have meaning in God's kingdom as they are men with pure hearts. I had to be honest with myself accepting that my calling was not in this specific form. God has wired me as an artist and given me a desire to create music in many different genres. I move forward now to be a steward of what He has given me, and through faith, I am believing He has led me again to a career in solo music. I support and stand behind my former bandmates and consider myself an ally and a friend both personally and musically.” 

McGinniss said: "I love Kevin and it has been nothing but an honor and a joy to get to journey life with him these last two years. During every show I would look across the stage and smile and think 'God, you are a creative and redemptive God.' Audio A and the Hands and Feet Project will be forever grateful to Kevin. I pray that God will continue to use Kevin in a powerful way through music. He is and always will be a dear brother to us all."

New vocalist Josh Engler was Abandon's lead singer for eight years, leaving that role in 2012 to focus on his family and church. In 2013, he became the worship arts pastor of Bethel Church in Evansville, Indiana. Now, with the full support of his church leadership, he will step in as Audio A’s lead.

Audio Adrenaline is currently in the studio working on the follow-up to the band's 2012 release, Kings & Queens. The new album is slated for release in 2015 from Fair Trade Services.

Max upcoming album is called Broken Temples. Click here to hear the first single, “Infinite.” 

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