WASP drummer Stet Howland (photo) has announced his departure from the band. Howland prefers to focus on his new band Temple of Brutality.\"In mid-January, Blackie [Lawless] and I had a phone conversation that resulted in our parting. It wasn\'t shitty, ugly, or disrespectful in any way. It was two old and dear friends being honest with each other. After 16 years as friends and bandmates, one thing you learn is how to be honest with each other. So the bottom line is, I will not be part of the upcoming tour, and I\'m not sure who the drummer will be as its really none of my business.\"
One applicant for the drummer position may be Jeremy Spencer, who is also featured on WASP guitarist Darrell Roberts\' solo efforts and has toured with the band before.
Howland rejoined WASP in April 2004 after spending a couple of years at home founding the Bad Dogs recording studios and assembling a band called The Howlin\' Dogs. The drummer was also a member of Carnival Of Souls before exiting the group in February 2005.
More recently, Howland has been recording and performing with Temple of Brutality, the new band also featuring former Megadeth/current F5 bassist David Ellefson, guitarist Peter Scheithauer (Belladonna, Killing Machine) and vocalist Todd Barnes (13-A).
Temple Of Brutality\'s debut album, \"Lethal Agenda\", will be released in March.
