Andols' decision follows the recent departure of Chimaira's keyboardist annex programmer Chris Spicuzza, who left last week. Bassist Jim Lamarca left Chimaira last year in order to focus on his family life.

Andols Herrick comments on his departure from the group with a statement released to theprp.com:

"I am no longer a member of Chimaira, and actually haven’t been since before Christmas. I did play at Chimaira Christmas 11, which was my last show. I certainly couldn’t have asked for a better and more memorable way to go out."

According to the drummer, the circumstances are significantly different now than back in 2004:

"The short story is that the guys had taken issue with certain aspects of my role in the band. Nothing discussed was out of anger or anything personal, but I was definitely not expecting it and it was quite the spirit crusher for me. The decision was made that it would be in the band’s best interest to move forward without me.

I was obviously devastated, but again there was no ill will between us. Later, I was asked to rejoin, but after some painful contemplation in my mind, I decided it was best not to."

So where does that leave Andols Herrick musically? Don't worry, he's not done as a drummer. Andols will be releasing an instructional book/dvd through Hal Leonard later this year. He teaches private drum lessons in New Jersey and is also really trying to get busy with session recording work. Andols:

"I’ve had a couple opportunities to track drums for two great bands, and I hope to be a part of a lot more."