[quote:2rf24l3n]The 30-year-old former drum tech replaced Matt Pellisier in the summer of 2004, but according to guitarist Frank Iero, Bryar left the band a month ago.

"Recently it seems as though every time we write to you guys we have bad news, and we apologise for that, but we've learned in life you can't have the sweet without the sour," writes Frank in a post on the band's official site. "As a band we have been very fortunate over the years that our sweet times have greatly outweighed the sour ones, and a great deal of that is owed to you, the fans. Which is why we wanted this news to come from us and not some bullshit gossip site.

"As of four weeks ago, My Chemical Romance and Bob Bryar parted ways," he continues. "This was a painful decision for all of us to make and was not taken lightly. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours and expect you all to do the same."

Despite Gerard Way's documented throat problems, which led to the cancellation of their appearance at recent Australia's Soundwave festival, the four remaining members have re-entered the studio to record more material for the forthcoming follow-up to 2006's The Black Parade. There is no word as yet as to who is filling in on drums.

"We also wanted to give you all a quick heads up on how the record is progressing," says Frank. "We have been writing some very powerful new songs so this week the four of us entered the studio once again, and what has been ending up on tape each night is some of the most exciting and honest work we have ever created."[/quote:2rf24l3n]