Korn Guitarist Brian 'Head' Welch Exits The Band

SYDNEY, Australia (Sony BMG Australia) - In a shock departure, Korn guitartist Brian 'Head' Welch has parted ways with the hard rock crew, after having a 'religious awakening' of sorts. Currently working on their next album, Korn said they hope "he finds the happiness he is searching for."
An official statement from Korn's website reads:

"Korn has parted ways with guitartist Brian Head Welch, who has chosen the lord Jesus Christ as his saviour and will be dedicating his musical pursuits to that end. Korn respects Brian's wishes and hopes he finds the happiness he is searching for. Jonathan, Fieldy, James and David are personally closer than ever, and are currently in the studio working on their 8th record, the follow up to their highly successful Greatest Hits album. The record is due to be released this coming September.

Originally a founding member of the band LAPD, which changed its name to Korn in 1993 after meeting current frontman Jonathan Davis, Welch broke the news on a US radio station a few days ago, saying "I'm good friends with Korn. I love those guys, and they love me, and they're very happy for me."

No word has come from the Korn yet as to whether or not they will find a replacement for Welch to continue work on their new album, which Davis recently told Metal Hammer mag, at this stage, has a "heavy, trippy, old-school hip-hop influence".