Killswitch Engage have announced that singer Howard Jones has parted ways with the band. Jones had been in the band for nine years, since replacing current Times of Grace frontman Jesse Leach.

He recorded three albums with the band, the last of which was 2009′s self-titled effort.

Killswitch Engage were due to enter the studio shortly to begin writing a new album for a release later this year.

The band’s remaining members–Adam Dutkiewicz, Joel Stroetzel, Mike D’Antonio, and Justin Foley–posted the following statement on their website and Facebook page:

“To our family, friends and fans: We have decided to continue on without Howard Jones as the singer of Killswitch Engage. We love Howard and are thankful for the nine years that we’ve had him in the band. Out of respect for everyone involved we will not be discussing the specific reasons behind this decision. Howard is a part of our family and always will be, and we wish him well.

“He has left big shoes to fill, so we certainly have our work cut out for us to find the next singer of Killswitch, something we plan on making priority #1 going forward. Most importantly, thanks to all of you for all the support throughout the years and for sticking by us for all this time. We really do appreciate it and we very much look forward to having a new record for all of you in the not too distant future that we can all be proud of.”