A shocking way to start off the weekend — Lamb of God have announced their split from drummer Chris Adler. The news came earlier today (July 19) on their Twitter.

"We'd like to officially welcome Art Cruz, who has been playing drums with us on tour for the last year, as the new drummer of Lamb of God," the band states. "Art will be joining us in the studio as we begin pre-production and recording of a new album.

"We're very proud of everything this band has accomplished over the last two decades. We would like to thank Chris Adler for his contributions over the years and wish him the best in his future endeavors." Read the full statement below.

Adler was injured in a motorcycle accident last year and was forced to stop touring. "I experienced some issues related to the injuries that needed to be addressed with a rigorous schedule of physical and occupational therapy which is what I have been doing regularly since July," the drummer said in an Instagram post in September.

The band recruited Cruz on drums for their upcoming tours since Adler did not have a definitive timeline for his recovery and return. He had been in Lamb of God since 1999.

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