News•August 16, 2013 8:27 PM ET•11,152 views

God Forbid calls it quits

After nearly 17 years together, New Jersey metal band God Forbid is breaking up. For starters, earlier today guitarist Doc Coyle announced his departure from the band via a lengthy statement here. His opening paragraph reads as follows:

"I am sorry to say that I am indeed leaving God Forbid. I started playing with these guys since I was 16 years old. Now I'm 32. You do the math. To say this is difficult and a big move for me would be an understatement. It has been very emotional and very sad for me to actually follow through with this, but I feel in my heart and head that it is the right thing to do."

Not long thereafter, lead vocalist Byron Davis issued the following:

"It's Friday and my boy is home doing well and yes it's true, GF is down. We are a family for the most part some moveon while others keep it real like before the band began. I should feel sad but I dont right now because a new chapter has begun. I'll be seeing you all around somewhere. Believe that. Uncle Corey J needs some drums I have a guitar too for him. Blabbering."

Finally, drummer Corey Pierce weighed in:

"No more suspense... God Forbid is over. Sorry."