Bryar's departure, which has been rumoured for weeks, was confirmed by guitarist Frank Iero.

“As of 4 weeks ago, My Chemical Romance and Bob Bryar parted ways,” Iero wrote on the band's official webstie.

“This was a painful decision for all of us to make and was not taken lightly. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors and expect you all to do the same.”

Bryar had been a member of My Chemical Romance sicne 2004, when he replaced original drummer Matt Pelissier.

Meanwhile, Iero said that, despite Bryar's departure, the group were busy working on their new album.

He said: “We have been writing some very powerful new songs so this week the four of us entered the studio once again, and what has been ending up on tape each night is some of the most exciting and honest work we have ever created.”

The as-yet-untitled effort is expected later this year.

(by Jason Gregory)