Eyehategod frontman Mike IX Williams confirmed guitarist Brian Patton is leaving the band, PRP reports. During an interview with Hayley Leggs at the Hellfest Open Air Festival in Clisson, France, Williams discussed Patton’s departure:

“He quit, because he has a new baby. He has two kids now — he has a new baby — and he’s taking care of his wife’s parents; they’re having some health issues, I believe. So it’s for a good cause, but he couldn’t tour with us anymore. But it’s fun being a four-piece; I like the sound and the vibe and everything. So it’s kind of like a new era of the band.”

In December, Loudwire reports Williams underwent a liver transplant after being diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver in 2014.  Following the transplant, a YouCaring page was created to help with medical costs which raised more than $50,000.

According to Blabbermouth, the singer returned to the stage in April 2017. During his interview with Leggs, Williams said the band is working on a new album. “We have a demo of, I think, maybe five or six songs. But I think we’re gonna re-record it. ‘Cause now we’re a four-piece band. And with my health thing over with, it’s kind of like a new era of the band.”

He went on to say the record will “hopefully” be released in 2019. “We’re not one of those bands that tours, puts out an album, tours… We do it when we want to and when we feel… I mean, bands like that, sometimes they put out shitty albums ’cause they just write stuff very quickly. We just wanna take our time and write good songs.”

UPDATE (7/19): Patton has released a statement clarifying the reasoning behind his departure from Eyehategod. He elaborates on some of the reasons that Williams explained in an interview last week.

“Touring and being away from my family started to get harder after my daughter was born. Then soon after the arrival of my son, I left for a six-week tour. While I was away, both kids had some serious health scares. Being away from my family while that happened, along with an increasingly busy tour schedule, I decided the best thing for me was to step down. To concrete this decision, after a visit with my wife’s parents earlier this year, it became clear that my in-laws’ health was rapidly fading and they needed our help. So my family and I have moved to Greensboro, North Carolina to care for them full time.

Trust me when I say that this has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. After being in this band for twenty-five years — over half of my life — to say that I will miss it is a huge understatement. I already miss it. Ultimately, I want to be at home with my family. But more importantly, I am truly needed at home. I love my brothers in EYEHATEGOD, of course, and wish them nothing but the best. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and the music I have played throughout the years. I hope to see you all soon. I plan on playing again in some form or fashion. But for now, my family comes first.”

Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat