Lead singer Drew Barker of Massachusetts-based punk metallers MONGREL, has left the band after over five years, citing internal turmoil and a desire to create his own music as the major factors for the split.

This comes only a week after their drummer Ed Loguercio was fired by band founder/guitarist Adam Savage following a scuffle on stage at a recent show.

The future of Mongrel is unsure at this point, though it is believed the band will continue upon finding replacement members. Mongrel had just finished their next full length album, This Means War, recorded by Tim Koukos at SFW Studios in Manchester, NH, mixed by Jeff Wallace at Entrolab Studios in Tom's River, NJ, and mastered by Beau Hill Music Production.

Drew released the following statement:

"Dear Friends and Fans,

I had hoped to play a few final shows as Mongrel as a complete band, but recent events have made that impossible. So, it's with a heavy heart that I announce my departure from Mongrel. It's been 5 long years and I've shed blood, sweat, and tears many times for this machine, but alas my time has come to an end. This has been a long time coming. The last year has been very rocky and the recent events, culminating with the departure of my good friend Ed, drove the final nails in the coffin.

I had hoped finishing the album would 'fix' things much like a couple hopes getting married will 'fix' a failing relationship... It doesn't work that way. I've made so many friends, be it fans or other bands, that I feel like I have a second family I only see at shows... I wouldn't have traded the last 5 years with this band for anything. The time has come however for me to step back and reassess my life and get myself in order. For now I'm going to focus on my other project, THE DEAD AND THE DAMNED, my metal cover band and just play music for fun and nothing else... And with any luck there will someday be a live TRAINWRECK AWESOME show as well!

Don't worry though, I know Mongrel will carry on without me. Someday I will again create music, and this time it will be on my own terms, stretching my own creative muscles. There are a lot of AMAZING musicians I've become friends with so I'm sure it won't be long before we see each other again. Until then please keep in touch!"

Mongrel released the first single from their upcoming album This Means War yesterday (Tuesday, April 13th). 'Bored To Death' is the lead off track for the new album and has already been touted in the Philadelphia based Origivation Magazine by Steve Haley (HALEY, ex-TRASHLIGHT VISION). The new track is available on Amazon and Mongrel.Bandcamp.com, and on iTunes worldwide in the near future.

Mongrel's new album, This Means War, was recorded at SFW Studios in Manchester, NH by Tim Koukos (Nuclear Assault, Meliah Rage), mixed at Entrolab Studios in Toms River, NJ by Jeff Wallace (BIOHAZARD, PRO-PAIN), and mastered by Beau Hill (ALICE COOPER, BAD BRAINS, TWISTED SISTER). Mongrel is currently looking for a new label as they parted ways with Screaming Ferret Wreckords this past fall with the release of their 5 song Revenge EP which has garnered airplay on Music Choice, Hard Drive w/ Lou Brutus, and Sirius/XM radio. A video for the track 'Butterknife Suicide' was recently released and can be seen below.