It is with heavy hearts that we remember Joshua “Nassaru” Ward, the drummer, vocalist and founder of the extreme metal band Voraath, who tragically lost his life on New Year’s Eve 2024 in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. The tragedy also claimed the lives of his fiancée, Amanda Lynn Leroux, a local artist and two close friends, Audrey Ross and Jade Bruton who were also in the vehicle. Joshua leaves behind a young son, Kai as well as a legacy in the metal community that will be deeply cherished. He had recently become engaged and was filled with excitement for his upcoming wedding, the creation of a new Voraath album, and plans for a tour.
A Look Back at Voraath
Hailing from Asheville, North Carolina, Voraath emerged as a formidable force in extreme metal with their debut album, Vol. 1: The Hymn of the Hunters. Released to critical acclaim, the album showcased the combined talents of members from bands like Xael, Visitant, Rapheumets Well, Implosive Disgorgence, and Sweet Blood. Together, they created a sound that seamlessly blended Appalachian folk influences with punishing metal riffs, delivering a sonic experience unlike any other.
Joshua Ward’s precision drumming was the heartbeat of Voraath, driving their relentless sound with a demonic energy that could transport listeners into the dystopian universe the band so meticulously crafted. Alongside him were Tylor Kohl, Paul McBride, and Daniel Presnell, whose virtuosic string work added depth and aggression. Chelsea Morrow’s ferocious vocals were the final piece of this extraordinary ensemble, redefining expectations of female-fronted metal bands with her volcanic delivery and dynamic presence.
Vol. 1: The Hymn of the Hunters
The album was a narrative-driven masterpiece, weaving tales of a dystopian Earth shaped by 80s sci-fi, folklore, and gaming lore. Tracks like “The Road to Samm Hill,” “Dreadborn,” and “The Leviathan’s Keep” transported listeners into the Appalachian wilderness, where themes of survival and betrayal played out with visceral intensity.
The record culminated with “The God-Killer Saga,” a climactic tale of vengeance and conflict, while the haunting closer, “Pyrrhic,” left listeners in contemplative silence, reflecting on the emotional and physical toll of the hunters’ journey. Joshua Ward’s contributions to this intricate storytelling were indispensable, shaping not just the music but the very identity of Voraath.
A Legacy Beyond Music
Joshua Ward’s vision for Voraath extended far beyond the music itself. In a 2022 interview with Metal Lair, he and the band shared their ambitious goals of blending music, lore, and theatrical live performances. Their dream was to create an immersive experience, complete with custom armor and a stage show that brought their dystopian narrative to life.
He also described the band’s beginnings with longtime collaborator Brad Parris and how their shared passion for sci-fi, Appalachian culture, and extreme metal birthed the idea for Voraath. Ward’s dedication to his craft and his bandmates was evident in everything he did, from conceptualizing lore to planning future projects like video series and collaborative albums.
Josh was a driving force in the Carolina metal scene, leaving his mark through his work with bands like Enthean, Rapheumet’s Well, Xael, Olkoth, and Voraath under Exitus Stratagem Records. In addition to his musical pursuits, he served as a drum tech for renowned acts such as Nile and Terrorizer, earning endorsements from Los Cabos Drumsticks and Saluda Cymbals. Beyond his talent as a drummer, Josh was deeply passionate about sci-fi storytelling, video direction, martial arts, and making a difference in the world.
Remembering Joshua Ward
Joshua’s life was tragically cut short, but his contributions to the metal community and the lives he touched will never be forgotten. He was a man of immense talent, boundless creativity, and profound kindness. His dream of creating a unique, immersive world through music will continue to inspire those who knew him and those who discover Voraath’s work in the years to come.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastation in the Carolinas, Joshua Ward and his Voraath bandmates traded their instruments for survival gear to help those in need. When bassist Paul McBride became stranded in a washed-out apartment in Asheville, Ward and guitarist Tylor Kohl braved the destruction to rescue him. “We’re a bunch of hillbilly metal guys, so we’re getting him,” Ward recalled, finding McBride huddled with survivors around a radio. The band’s mission didn’t stop there; Ward, a former National Guardsman, and the group hauled supplies into remote mountain areas, assisting the elderly and those with urgent medical needs. Using connections with breweries, they sourced oxygen converters and delivered life-saving equipment, even sharing moments of levity—like helping a stranded man with a cold beer or wrangling wayward livestock. Over nine days, Voraath embodied their dystopian Appalachian lore in real life, turning a canceled tour into a mission of mercy that will forever be part of their legacy.
The metal community mourns this immense loss while celebrating the indelible mark Joshua Ward left on all who encountered him. Our thoughts are with his family, his son, and the loved ones of all the lives lost in this heartbreaking tragedy.
A GoFundMe has also been launched to help with Ward‘s funeral costs, which you can donate to right here. A description on that page reads: “Our close friend and family member, Josh Ward, passed away last night in a traffic accident. Josh dedicated his life to the music he created, the martial arts he practiced and instilled into everyone who had the privilege of training with him, and last but not least his son, Kai.
“We are all devastated by this loss and were not prepared for the high cost of a funeral service. We want to give Josh the memorial he deserves, to honor his memory and say our last goodbyes. I am currently asking for donations to help cover the cost of Josh‘s funeral. All donations would go to the memorial and funeral. All remaining will be gifted to his son, Kai.”
We at Metal Lair send our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and bandmates.
Rest in power, Joshua. Your legacy will echo through the halls of metal forever.
