Woods of Ypres Merchandise Released to Benefit Family of Late Frontman David Gold

To honor the memory of David Gold and to benefit his family, Woods of Ypres have revealed commemorative merchandise and special bundle deals, which you can order here, to commemorate the life and music of the Woods mastermind.

All of the proceeds from the sales of the merchandise packs will be used to cover funeral costs and other expenses affected by his passing, with special bundles ranging from $50 to $110.

We reported last year that Gold was killed in a car accident on Dec. 22, 2011 in the Canadian city of Barrie, Ontario. at the age of 31.

Woods of Ypres formed in 2002 and signed a record deal with Earache Records in 2010. Their label debut, ‘Woods 5: Grey Skies & Electric Light, recently made our list for the Top 10 Metal Albums of 2012 as well as the track 'Lightning & Snow' making our Top Metal Songs of 2012 (so far) list.

Esther Gold, David’s mother, released the following statement:

“We and thousands of people are learning to live life without David. David was courageous to create songs about love, love lost, facing challenges, celebrating joys and accepting and understanding consequences of another's behavior. None have control over others, but one has control of reactions and responses, and then makes choices. We all are survivors of loss.

With no exaggeration, hundreds of people have contacted us with testimonies about how David's lyrics impacted their lives, helped them to make changes resulting in personal growth, motivating them and inspiring them to follow their dreams.

As David's family, of me, Esther, siblings Michael, Laura and Marie, we need help to promote David's CD and merchandise sales.

We had a Tribute concert in Toronto and one in Sault Ste. Marie. The metal community has become family as we all share in our time of deep sorrow. I was proudly, M.O.F., mom of four, now I am M.O.M., Mom of many. Those who grieve David as a multi-talented musician, admit they grieve the loss of their brother. I have become a Mom figure to many and David's siblings are now considered to be family to those who miss David.

There is so much positive press created about David. It is said ‘when we are born, we cry. We hope when we die, thousands cry.’ In David's case, thousands cried, and their lives are forever changed because their David is no longer with them.

Thank you for helping to honor my son, and to recognize all who must learn to live life remembering David's lyrics, ‘love the living while they are alive’, and ‘life is not the destination, but it is the journey’. David admitted writing lyrics, with empathy, for those who needed to hear them, or learn from them, and he wrote from his own experiences from his heart and from his soul. David was a man with many dimensions, not just his music. He was well educated, with three university degrees, was a teacher, a multi-talented musician, burned the candle from both ends, with high energy and determination. In the Finnish language is a word SISU. David was SISU, personified.”