Drummer Chris Pennie has split from Coheed and Cambria after four years with the band in order to concentrate on his other group Return to Earth.

Return to Earth also includes vocalist Ron Scalzo and guitarist Brett Aveni. Not to mention Pennie also wants to focus on Flight Mannequins, his music production company.

Pennie, who was also a founding member of Dillinger Escape Plan, issued the following statement:

“I am very thankful for the years that I shared the stage with the guys and want to thank the amazing, supportive fans that I’ve met while on tour, but there are a lot of exciting projects on the horizon, in addition to Return to Earth and Fight Mannequins, that I feel require my absolute 100 percent commitment and attention. I feel that this is the right time to make that happen.”

Coheed and Cambria released the following statement:

“Tough decisions were made today that will help shape this band for the coming years. We extend our deepest appreciation to Chris Pennie for an incredible journey.”

It’s been a whirlwind of a year for Coheed and Cambria, who recently split with their bassist Michael Todd after he was arrested in July for robbing a pharmacy in Massachusetts for prescription drugs.

More From 106.3 The Buzz