Dealer (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Founder | Aidan Ellaz-Holmes |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Nu metalcore music |
Dealer is a nu metalcore band originating from Australia, established in 2018 by lead vocalist Aidan Ellaz-Holmes. The ensemble's current roster features Ellaz-Holmes, drummer Brad Lipsett, guitarist Jack Leggett, and bassist Matthew Brida.
History
Following Aidan Holmes' exit from Alpha Wolf amid several sexual misconduct accusations, he joined forces with ex-Northlane bassist Alex Milovic, Capture drummer Joe Abikhair, guitarist Josh Ang of Codeine King, and David Wilder from Iconoclast to create Dealer. Their initial EP, Soul Burn, launched on 5 April 2019, garnered favorable critiques. Subsequently, the group signed with Stay Sick Records, now known as Modern Empire Music.
On 22 July 2019, Wilder, Ang, and Milovic departed the band citing allegations against Holmes and internal disputes. They were succeeded by Maurice Morfaw from Capture on bass and Martin Wood of The Gloom in the Corner on guitar. Dealer’s follow-up EP, Saint, was released on 14 February 2020. Shortly thereafter, guitarist and bassist Gabor Toth joined the lineup.
On 22 June 2020, four out of five members exited the band following abuse accusations directed at Ellaz-Holmes. Former guitarist Josh Ang publicly alleged emotional abuse by Ellaz. Legal matters concerning sexual misconduct were resolved out of court by Ellaz.
The band re-emerged in January 2023 with the single "Show Me The Body," featuring returning members Ellaz-Holmes, Abikhair, Morfaw alongside newcomers Seth Murrant and Jake Rakose.
In early 2024, Dealer signaled a comeback via social media platforms and unveiled the single "Red Teeth," announcing their forthcoming album New Order of Mind scheduled for release on 10 May 2024. Subsequent lineup shifts included Murrant’s departure to concentrate on his solo act “Nyu,” Rakose leaving for undisclosed reasons, and new additions Jacob Rentoule (guitar) and Ryan Delfos (bass) joining alongside drummer Brad Lipsett. Rentoule and Delfos later left due to injury and other commitments; videographer Matthew Brida assumed bass responsibilities while Jack Leggett (formerly of HEAVENSGATE) was brought in on guitar.
Following the album launch, Dealer intended to tour the United States as support for headliner Attila on "The American Rejects Tour," alongside Oceano and Nathan James. However, Oceano withdrew amid controversies linked to Ellaz's past allegations and issues involving Attila's frontman Chris Fronzak.
In 2025, Dealer announced a one-time performance at Mo's Desert Clubhouse that was canceled within hours due to threats of violence targeting the venue and attendees.
Members
Current members
- Aidan Ellaz Holmes – lead vocals (2018–2020, 2023–present)
- Jack Leggett – guitars (2024–present)
- Matthew Brida – bass (2024–present), vocals (2025–present)
- Brad Lipsett – drums (2024–present)
Touring members
- Peter Colver – bass (2019–2020)
- Chad Chen – guitars (2025–present)
Former members
- Alex Milovic – bass (2018–2019)
- Josh Ang (Pincer+, HEAVENSGATE) – guitars (2018–2019)
- David Wilder (HEAVENSGATE) – guitars (2018–2019)
- Martin Wood (Bad/Love (AUS)) – guitars, bass (2019–2020)
- Gabor Toth (Harmed) – bass (2020)
- Joe Abikhair – drums (2018–2020, 2023–2024)
- Seth Murrant – guitars (2023–2024)
- Jake Rakose – guitars (2023–2024)
- Maurice Morfaw – guitars, bass (2019–2020, 2023–2024)
- Jacob Rentoule – guitars (2024)
- Ryan Delfos – bass (2024)
Timeline
Albums
- New Order Of Mind (2024)
Extended plays
- Soul Burn (2019; produced by Lance Prenc)
- Saint (2020; produced by Lance Prenc)
Singles
- Crooked (2019)
- Grotesque (2019)
- Pretty Stupid (2019)
- Tourniquet (2020)
- Show Me The Body (2023)
- Red Teeth (2024)
- Glass Preacher (2024)
- The Hate You Try to Hide (2024)
- Hyperreal Death Scene (2024)