Over the past few days, fans noticed that Shannon Lucas wasn’t drumming with Black Dahila Murder on their current tour with Dethklok. Today, Lucas gave an official statement, which you can read below.

Lucas has left the band to pursue other things such as a project with Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz and Cannibal Corpse vocalist George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher. He’s also opening a tattoo shop with his wife.

As for Black Dahlia Murder, Lucas helped pick his replacement, Alan Cassidy, who was in Abigail Williams. Although Cassidy is filling in, no permanent replacement has been announced.

Lucas says, “I want to thank all the fans who have ever come out to a BDM show, bought a ticket, bought a shirt and supported me…I’ve always loved BDM and I will always continue to be in the background and help them out.”