American thrashers Toxik have announced the departure of their drummer Jason Bittner. He just joined fellow Americans Flotsam & Jetsam. Bittner joins the veteran Arizona metallers as the replacement for Kelly Smith, who recently left the band to focus on family matters.

Here is what Jason Bittner had to say about his exit: "Well as they say when one door closes another opens - today I announce my departure from Toxik in order to focus on some new projects I will be involved in in 2015 that will require my full attention and commitment - that will be announced soon. In the meantime I'd like to thank Josh, Mikey, and Bill for an amazing year of playing together- these guys are some of the best players I've been lucky to jam with. So if you're a drummer and are looking for a crazy prog thrash band, contact Josh - love you guys and I wish you the best."

After it was announced that he would join Flotsam & Jetsam, Bittner offered: "I have been a Flotsam & Jetsam fan for decades, following the band around the East Coast in the eighties and nineties. I've been lucky enough to be in the background of the Flotsam & Jetsam camp as a fan, supporter, and gear leader to my dear friend, Kelly David Smith. I am hard at work relearning all the classic FLOTZ material and can't wait to record and tour with the band in 2015. This will become my focus after the completion of the 2015 U.S. Shadows Fall hiatus tour, which will happen spring/summer 2015. As they say... 'Flotz 'till death!' See you in Europe, in April."

Source:	facebook.com
Band profile:	Toxik