Ahren Stringer says working as an undertaker alongside Queensland Police has fundamentally changed how he views some of the reckless decisions from earlier in his life.
The former Amity Affliction bassist and vocalist appeared before Benalla Magistrates’ Court on May 26, where he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and refusal charges stemming from a high-speed incident on Victoria’s Hume Freeway.

Blunt attended the hearing.

Court proceedings heard Stringer was detected travelling at 191 km/h in a 100 km/h zone near Benalla. Prosecutors told the court police observed Stringer accelerating heavily in the right-hand lane between exits on the Hume Freeway before intercepting him shortly afterwards.

The court heard the speed was considered dangerous due to surrounding traffic conditions, reduced reaction time and the potential risk posed to nearby motorists in the event of sudden braking, evasive action, wildlife on the roadway or mechanical failure.

Stringer pleaded guilty to:

Drive at a speed dangerous
Refuse preliminary breath test
Refuse to undergo preliminary oral fluid test

Two additional charges — exceeding the speed limit by 45 km/h or more and using a vehicle not in a safe or roadworthy condition — were withdrawn during
proceedings after prosecutors told the court the speeding allegation was an alternative to the more serious dangerous driving charge that proceeded.

The prosecution summary stated Stringer repeatedly refused both preliminary breath and oral fluid testing after being intercepted by police, despite being informed of the consequences. Court audio captured police alleging Stringer repeatedly stated he had “the right to refuse”.
During the hearing, Stringer said he had been travelling to Melbourne after his sister received a possible cancer diagnosis.

The court also heard how dramatically Stringer’s life has changed since his departure from The Amity Affliction in early 2025.

Defence submissions revealed Stringer is currently working as an undertaker alongside Queensland Police while continuing to pursue music projects following his split from the band. The court heard the role had significantly altered how he viewed his past behaviour and consequences.
The hearing was told Stringer had experienced significant upheaval over the past 18 months, including health issues, back injuries, family responsibilities and the breakdown of his relationship with the band he spent two decades helping build.

Earlier reporting by Blunt Magazine, based on sources close to Stringer, stated no drink driving charge had been laid and that Stringer had sought a blood test rather than completing a roadside breath test. Court proceedings later confirmed the matter instead proceeded as refusal charges relating to both alcohol and drug testing.

Magistrate comments during sentencing acknowledged the seriousness of the driving conduct while also taking into account Stringer’s guilty plea, work history, references and personal circumstances.

No conviction was recorded. Stringer was fined $1,200 and had his licence cancelled and disqualified.

The court matter may now be finalised, but the hearing offered a rare glimpse into how dramatically Stringer’s life has changed since stepping away from The Amity Affliction — from international touring and festival stages to working around death, consequence and reflection far removed from the life that once defined him.

For a musician who spent two decades inside one of Australia’s biggest heavy bands, the hearing ultimately felt less like the end of a court case and more like a snapshot of what happens after the noise stops.

The Pretty Reckless have officially unveiled their latest single “Dear God,” offering another emotionally charged glimpse into the band’s upcoming fifth studio album of the same name.

Arriving ahead of the full record’s release on June 26th via Fearless Records, the title track pushes deeper into the dark, vulnerable and cinematic direction the band have been building toward throughout this album cycle.

Driven by towering guitars and the unmistakable voice of Taylor Momsen, “Dear God” gradually unfolds into a massive emotional release, balancing haunting melodies with explosive instrumentation.

Soundgarden are still actively working on the band’s long awaited final album featuring unreleased recordings from late frontman Chris Cornell, with guitarist Kim Thayil confirming the project remains deeply personal for everyone involved.

Speaking in a new interview, Thayil revealed the surviving members of Soundgarden, himself, drummer Matt Cameron and bassist Ben Shepherd, are continuing work on material originally written and demoed with Cornell before his passing in 2017.

“This material has been in existence for over 10 years in some cases,” Thayil explained (per Blabbermouth).

Hot Milk on politics, backlash and saying what they actually think

We talked politics in heavy music, getting unofficially blacklisted from mainstream radio, Manchester culture, genre labels, and why Hot Milk refuse to stay in one lane.

“There was stuff we had to say on that record.”

Hot Milk Australian tour dates:

• May 20 — 170 Russell, Melbourne
• May 21 — Metro Theatre, Sydney
• May 23 — Crowbar, Brisbane