The metal world is still abuzz from the news earlier today that Slayer and drummer Dave Lombardo had parted ways for the time being.

According to Lombardo, the other three members of Slayer had not invited him to join them on their upcoming Australian tour after he questioned some of the group's business matters.

Now Slayer have released a statement about the issue through their longtime publicist, Heidi Robinson-Fitzgerald.

Here is the official statement which was released yesterday afternoon, Feb. 21:

"Slayer confirms that Jon Dette (Testament) will drum for the band on its Australian tour that starts this Saturday, February 23 in Brisbane. As regards Dave Lombardo's Facebook post, Slayer does not agree with Mr. Lombardo's substance or the timeline of the events, except to acknowledge that Mr. Lombardo came to the band less than a week before their scheduled departure for Australia to present an entirely new set of terms for his engagement that were contrary to those that had been previously agreed upon.

The band was unable to reach an agreement on these new demands in the short amount of time available prior to leaving for Australia. There is more to the account than what Mr. Lombardo has offered, but out of respect to him, Slayer will not be commenting further. Slayer is grateful to its Australian fans for their understanding of this unfortunate last-minute change, and very much looks forward to seeing them at these shows."