Havok guitarist Reece Scruggs confirmed in a statement on the band's Facebook page that he has left the long-running thrash metal band after 14 years after their guitarist. The band, who are also currently working on new music, have hired Brett Rechtfertig (Psychosomatic, ex-Nephilim) as a fill-in for Scruggs on their upcoming tour activities.

Scruggs wrote: "As much as it truly hurts to say, I've chosen to step away from Havok. I'm sure you guys have seen and heard that I haven't been around for a little bit. The idea from the start was that I would try my hardest to balance as much as I could and still be a part of the band. As schedules started to fill up on my end my availability became less and less, I realized that I just couldn't have one foot in and one foot out. It's completely unfair to the band, to the fans, to David, and all involved. It does a disservice to the machine that is Havok, and the very last thing I want to do is jeopardize or slow that machine down.

"I'm so incredibly lucky to have been able to be a part of such a killer band. I'm proud of the music we wrote together, the shows we've played, and the tours we've been on. Most of all I'm honored, privileged, and grateful to have done it alongside David, Pete, and Nick. I truly believe we produced some of the best straight-forward, no-bullshit metal out there, as well as be one of the tightest and most entertaining live acts in the genre. I love Havok. I always will.

"With that being said, this is a super amicable departure. I'll support and follow Havok until the end and so should you! You'll be very comforted to know that the lead guitar position will be in great hands going forward. The SHRED continues!

"I want to thank you all for 14 wonderful years!

Cheers!"

Source:	facebook.com
Band profile:	Havok