Tampa, Florida-based metallers THE ABSENCE have released the following statement:

"As most of our friends and fans know, the last year has brought THE ABSENCE some ups and downs, and most of us have emerged a much stronger and dedicated group at the end of it all. We owe as much to our fans who have always offered us amazing amounts of support and we are genuinely excited about what is coming next.

"We have done a lot of work to get ourselves to the point where we are able to begin delivering new music, merchandise, and even a killer new live show, but the work that is left to do must be done quickly and will require unquestionable reliability, dedication, input, and, above all else, a mutual sense that we are in this together.

"At this time, we are sad to say that THE ABSENCE will be parting ways with guitarist Peter Joseph. We will not be announcing a replacement at this time. We will have more information as things progress and we are able to sort everything out over the coming weeks.

"Keep an eye out for brand new music from us very soon and for all of the fans that have been after us for merch please come by our Facebook page below and visit our brand new digital stores where you can pick up some new gear from THE ABSENCE. This year we plan to hit harder than ever, so keep your eyes peeled!"

THE ABSENCE's third album, "Enemy Unbound", sold around 800 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 55 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

"Enemy Unbound" was released on September 14, 2010 via Metal Blade Records. The CD was once again recorded at the Erik Rutan-owned Mana Recording Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida in November 2009, with Brian Elliott engineering and Peter Joseph and Patrick Pintavalle producing. Going along with the saying "If it's not broke, don't fix it," the band tapped Jonas Kjellgren (SCAR SYMMETRY, CARNAL FORGE) of Black Lounge Studios in Sweden to handle both mixing and mastering on "Enemy Unbound". Guest musicians on the CD include Tom Englund of EVERGREY and Andy Wood.