OC metalcore legends Atreyu have officially parted ways with vocalist Alex Varkatzas, after rumors sprung up last month that the singer was no longer in the band. It all started when media outlet LambGoat reported that Alex had departed from Atreyu from a source "close to the band" and drummer/clean vocalist Brandon Saller would be taking over full time as the band's vocalist. So that story stood the weekend to run rampant with speculation. Monday rolls around and Alex responds in a vague manner, calling it “fake news” and posting lyrics to a Stone Temple Pilot's song. With the hashtag #FakeNews front in center of it all, that's weird right? That was over a month ago when the speculation arose.

While he never outright said he was still with Atreyu, Alex brought up his desire to work with a heavier sound in a supergroup/side project like manner; perhaps something similar to his I Am War project he pulled off with Bleeding Through vocalist Brandan Schieppati?

Interesting to say the least and enough to get more speculation wheels turning, most had probably forgotten the strange happenstance until today when the band finally made a statement regarding the matter on their social media reading:

"We have been a band for over 20 years now. Lived our dreams together as friends and as brothers. We traveled the world doing what we love, and have been fortunate enough to play music for such an incredible fan base that provides us with the opportunity to share our greatest moments with them.

Now a time of change has come for all of us. Alex Varkatzas is sailing off on a ship of his own, and will part ways with Atreyu. He will not disappear, and neither will Atreyu. There’s nothing but love and respect for each other, and we can’t wait to see what he will come up with next. Stay tuned for his upcoming projects and we all wish him success and fulfillment with all his future endeavors.

Atreyu’s next adventure is among us.

We love you, we’ll see you shortly.

-Atreyu

So it seems the band will carry on without their iconic screaming frontman who’s given them their edge in the heavy music community. Considering the lack of screaming on their latest release, some have said the writing has been on the wall. It's unfortunate but at least it isn't a bitter ugly departure, right? What do you think of this? Let us know in the comment section down below.