Suffocation - Mike Smith Quits...?

This was posted earlier on www.blabbermouth.net:

New York death metal veterans SUFFOCATION have reportedly parted ways with drummer Mike Smith.

Although Smith's exit from the group has not yet been officially confirmed by SUFFOCATION, the band played a couple of East Coast shows this past weekend with former member Dave Culross (MALEVOLENT CREATION, HATEPLOW) once again sitting behind the kit.

Fan-filmed video footage of SUFFOCATION's February 18 performance at Jimmy's Place in Allentown, Pennsylvania (featuring Culross on drums) can be seen below.

In a cryptic posting on his official Facebook page, Smith wrote earlier tonight, "There are not many things related to the SUFFOCATION brand I can honestly say brings me sadness. Except the lack of pride that exists within those who have the 'right' to claim the name as their own.

"This battle has been one that to any focused being should make obvious sense, but has evaded some for two decades.

"Within any foundation, the weakest link will always cause all structure to crumble.

"The one fact that keeps me at peace is the fact that anyone who has ever seen or spoken to me regarding SUFFOCATION and the industry as a whole has always left with an understanding of the level of focus and pride that I personally hold for myself, the brand that is SUFFOCATION and the genre we influence and helped create.

"As I've always said, if you are willing to put your time and soul towards anything, be willing to speak truths, fight and bleed for it, if need be."

SUFFOCATION is currently hard at work on material for the band's new album, tentatively due this summer via Nuclear Blast Records.

 Link to the full Article: blabbermouth.net

That sucks, because I´m a huge fan of Mike Smith´s drumming. I mean Culross is an amazing drummer too, no doubt about that, but it´s always sad when you see an original member off a band quit.