Iced Earth's Drummer Departs From Band

It is now confirmed that Brent Smedley, the drummer from Iced Earth, has announced that he will be departing from the band. This reasoning is to spend more time with his family members in Jacksonville, Florida. Brent had a seven year career with Iced Earth and has record three studio albums. On his Facebook page he comments:

"I have family members that are elderly and frail and need my help here in Jacksonville. It's been one of the hardest decisions of my life but I simply cannot commit to the kind of schedule the band deserves and requires so I decided to ask permission to step down from my post."

But never fear, Raphael Saini will be replacing him in the mean time. He will be doing the recording on their new album 'Plagues of Babylon', which is rumored to be released later this year in October.