Knoxville, Tennessee's WHITECHAPEL recently parted ways with drummer Kevin Lane and replaced him with Ben Harclerode of the Glendale, Arizona band KNIGHTS OF THE ABYSS. Lane is said to have returned home to Kingsport, Tennessee and is planning to go back to school.

Kevin has released the following statement in response to Internet speculation regarding his departure from the group: "Over the past years I've had the experience of a lifetime and gotten to travel the world with not only a great band of musicians but some of my best friends. Unfortunately, that time has come to an end. My playing had a falling out over the past year, thus I've decided to come home for good and go back to school full-time.

"The past few tours I had the privilege of my good friend Gavin Parsons to fill my shoes, and now another phenomenal drummer who I believe will do leaps and bounds of improvement to the band as a whole, Ben Harclerode, has moved into the position until the decision for a full-time drummer has been made."

WHITECHAPEL founding member and guitarist Alex Wade adds: "It's sad to see Kevin go; he was not just a fellow bandmember, but like a brother to all of us.

"I think it is honorable of him to step down to better the band. He is still, and always will be, an amazing drummer and talented musician; I believe it is just time for a new chapter for WHITECHAPEL.

"That being said, we would like to welcome Ben Harclerode to the band to fill the drumming position. In my opinion, he is one of the most solid and talented drummers in modern metal and we couldn't be more excited for him to be playing with us. Ben will be helping us out until we take further measures to decide on a permanent drummer, but that is just something that is not needed right now, nor are we taking submissions."