My Chemical Romance has announced the departure of drummer Bob Bryar, following several weeks of rumors. Guitarist Frank Lero confirmed the split on his blog, writing in part, "As of four weeks ago, My Chemical Romance and Bob Bryar parted ways. This was a painful decision for all of us to make and was not taken lightly. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors and expect you all to do the same."

Bryan began his career with the band as a drum tech, becoming its drummer in mid-2004 after the exit of original member Matt Pelissier. Bryar recorded just one album with the band, 2006's 'The Black Parade.'

Lero also addressed the current status of the follow-up to that record on his blog, saying, "We have been writing some very powerful new songs so this week the four of us entered the studio once again, and what has been ending up on tape each night is some of the most exciting and honest work we have ever created."

The new My Chemical Romance album was initially due out this spring, but there is now no release date or title for the project. The band recently canceled a series of live dates, including an appearance on Australia's Soundwave Festival tour, because singer Gerard Way was said to be having "severe vocal problems." It now seems likely that Bryar's departure may have been the real reason for the cancellations.