\"[Evanescence vocalist] Amy Lee\'s management emailed me last night to tell me that, in their view, the contract I signed to record, perform and tour with the group says that I\'m not allowed to have any free speech in regard to Evanescence. The way they spin it, I\'m not even allowed to say I quit the group, I guess. But the news is out there, so, there ya\' go. I need to have a lawyer read over all that mess to tell me what, when and how I can tell you all — the real fans — what really went down, if I ever can, haha.\"

In addition to his recently reinvigorated band Soul Embraced, Rocky will continue playing with Machina alongside former Evanescence guitarist John LeCompt. And there are a couple more projects which will be announced soon.

Evanescence, touring in support of their second major release \"The Open Door,\" is on a short break after returning from South Africa. They have two dates scheduled later this month before touring Europe, including a show on the Pinkpop Festival in The Netherlands. According to lead vocalist Amy Lee, LeCompte\'s and Gray\'s departure does not mean the end of Evanescence:

\"John [LeCompte] and Rocky [Gray] were in Evanescence for four years and we shared some great times together playing live, but they were ready to move on and so we have parted ways. Evanescence is something I have loved and nurtured since I was fourteen, and I will continue to protect and fight for it as I always have. (...) And don\'t worry about the tour, guys. Nothing will be cancelled and we will see you soon!\"

It\'s not the first time Evanescence has suffered personnel problems. In 2003, guitarist and co-founder Ben Moody quit while the band was touring in Europe. He was replaced by Terry Balasamo from Cold. In July 2006 bassist Will Boyd quit, replaced by Tim McCord from Revolution Smile.