Interpol has posted a note on their website announcing that bassist Carlos Dengler has left the band. "He has decided to follow another path, and to pursue new goals," the note read. "This separation is amicable, and we whole-heartedly wish him great happiness and success. We will remain, as always, deeply respectful fans of this blazingly talented individual."

Carlos D completed the new Interpol album as part of the band, but will be replaced on their upcoming tour-- including dates opening for U2-- with "some very exciting new recruits," according to the note.

Carlos D was arguably the most famous (and infamous) member of Interpol, even more than frontman Paul Banks, thanks to his fashion sense (including a penchant for empty gun hostlers) and his notoriety as a target for gossip. Last year, Carlos D made his first foray into filmmaking with a short titled My Friends Told Me About You that mused on the nature of celebrity. He has also been working on scores for films and commercials.

Download the new Interpol song "Lights" over at their site. Read the full text of the note below:

Dear fans,

As some of you have surely heard, Interpol has completed it's new album.

It was recorded at Electric Lady Studios, New York, and mixed with Alan Moulder at Assault and Battery, London.

The four of us poured our collective heart into this music and we are very proud and excited to share it.

It's a heavy record. But we're feeling limber; and we're going to carry it all around the world for you.

Touring begins this summer, so check here soon for announcements and show dates.

There is more:

Sadly, Carlos will not be joining us.

After the completion of the album, Carlos informed the rest of us that he would be leaving the band. He has decided to follow another path, and to pursue new goals. This separation is amicable, and we whole-heartedly wish him great happiness and success. We will remain, as always, deeply respectful fans of this blazingly talented individual.

We can tell you that we have some very exciting new recruits joining us on the road. So stay tuned - we will promptly be revealing the identities of these illustrious players.

We eagerly await the opportunity to reconvene with you all

- the greatest fans known to Rock.

Thank you.

Interpol