Drummer Chris Pennie has just announced that he has parted ways with Coheed and Cambria.

The New Jersey native and former Dillinger Escape Plan member says he'll be focusing on Return to Earth, a metal band which also features vocalist Ron Scalzo and guitarist Brett Aveni, and Flight Mannequins, his music production company.

Pennie's official statement:

"I am very thankful for the years that I shared the stage with the guys and want to thank the amazing, supportive fans that I've met while on tour, but there are a lot of exciting projects on the horizon, in addition to Return to Earth and Fight Mannequins, that I feel require my absolute 100 percent commitment and attention. I feel that this is the right time to make that happen."

Pennie joined Coheed and Cambria in 2007 and played on the band's 2010 'Year of the Black Rainbow' album. The band recently split with their bassist Michael Todd soon after he was arrested in July after robbing a pharmacy in Attleboro, Mass. for prescription drugs.