TRIVIUM Parts Ways With Drummer NICK AUGUSTO

Bassist Paolo Gregoletto of Florida metallers TRIVIUM has released the following statement:

"To TRIVIUM fans, friends and family:

"I had asked everyone to make this statement regarding [drummer] Nick [Augusto], personally and on behalf of the band, because of the history we both have had together as friends and bandmates.

"There is no easy way to go about parting ways with someone; whether it's in a band or not, but if it is coming directly from one of us, I hope that it will be perceived out of our respect for him.

"This past Sunday, Matt [Heafy, guitar/vocals], Corey [Beaulieu], and I decided that it was best to part ways with Nick and to move forward as soon as possible. This decision was not one that we took lightly, given the fact that we are in the midst of a tour, and, more importantly, that Nick has been with us for almost three and half years. We spoke face to face for about an hour on the bus — first informing him of our decision to move forward, both discussing the situation and how to proceed with announcing it, as well as personally thanking him for being there when we needed him as a tech, and then as drummer.

"I made both those calls to Nick — I asked him if he would be willing to drop everything and come out and be apart of TRIVIUM at a moment's notice, and he did without hesitation. On stage we all fit well together — I believe we became a tighter and more unified band because of him.

"There was not a dramatic ending to this. Honestly, it was quite muted and I am happy to have been able to speak directly and calmly to one another.

"I believe we all agreed that what started out great 'off stage' in the beginning over time began to fray. It became obvious that things were not going to work out in the long run.

"We did not want to reach the point where the differences between us became apparent on stage.

"Being in a band is privilege afforded to us by all of you, and as much as we owe you guys the best show we can possibly give you, we also realize that being out here has to be enjoyable enough for us to continue to do so.

"We truly wish nothing but the best for Nick and whatever projects he becomes involved in. We will be rooting for him to succeed. I would like to add that as the one who championed Nick to become our drummer three and half years ago, I will be the first person to vouch for him as an incredible drummer and as an immense force and presence on stage. The last show together at Carolina Rebellion was a powerful one, and I am happy to say that we ended our time together on such a high and positive note.

"Lastly, I would like to thank our drum tech, Mat Madiro, for stepping up to the plate and learning our entire set in 24 hours, allowing us to continue this tour without a hitch.

"We have always tried to treat both band and crew as family, and the support for Mat from our other crew guys has been amazing. Thank you all — Eric, Joey, Sam, Jeremy, and Mike! Another HUGE thank you to VOLBEAT and their crew for giving us their entire soundcheck at the Niagara Falls show to allow us to run through the set with Mat. They have been a great band to tour with and this act only further solidified to us what standup guys they are on and off stage.

"Nick, thank you once again for the hard work with us. We will always be grateful for the time we spent together with you on the road and in the studio.

"Thank you all for your support and understanding."

TRIVIUM's new album, "Vengeance Falls", made Top 10 chart debuts in Japan, Australia, Germany and Austria as well as a Top 15 debut in Canada and a Top 25 debut in the United Kingdom. This marked the acclaimed metallers' second consecutive Top 15 debut in the U.S. and highest-career debuts around the globe — including a No. 2 debut in Japan.

"Vengeance Falls" sold 17,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The record — which was produced by David Draiman (DISTURBED, DEVICE) — arrived in stores on October 15, 2013 via Roadrunner.