Last week EYEHATEGOD frontman Mike IX Williams revealed guitarist Brian Patton had left the group to be with his family. At the time the news was coming from Williams only, but now Patton has issued his own lengthy statement regarding his decision.

Patton played with EYEHATEGOD from 1993 to 2018

"Touring and being away from my family started to get harder after my daughter was born. Then soon after the arrival of my son, I left for a six-week tour. While I was away, both kids had some serious health scares. Being away from my family while that happened, along with an increasingly busy tour schedule, I decided the best thing for me was to step down. To concrete this decision, after a visit with my wife's parents earlier this year, it became clear that my in-laws' health was rapidly fading and they needed our help. So my family and I have moved to Greensboro, North Carolina to care for them full time.

Trust me when I say that this has been one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. After being in this band for twenty-five years — over half of my life — to say that I will miss it is a huge understatement. I already miss it. Ultimately, I want to be at home with my family. But more importantly, I am truly needed at home. I love my brothers in EYEHATEGOD, of course, and wish them nothing but the best. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and the music I have played throughout the years. I hope to see you all soon. I plan on playing again in some form or fashion. But for now, my family comes first."