Igor Cavalera, drummer and co-founder of legendary Brazillian thrashers SEPULTURA, has confirmed his permanent departure from the group due to “artistic differences.”

The band have yet to comment on the announcement. However, according to a posting on the band’s official web site, guitarist Andreas Kisser, Derrick Green and Paulo Xisto Jr. have vowed to continue with the group despite this major setback.

Igor announced earlier in the year that he was taking a break from the group’s touring activities to spend time with his second wife and their new son (who was born in January). Filling in on drums during the band’s European tour with IN FLAMES was Roy Mayorga, who played with Igor’s brother Max in SOULFLY for several years in the late ’90s and again in 2001-2003.

Igor is the second Cavalera to leave SEPULTURA. In 1996, Max Cavalera exited the group after the rest of the band fired Max’s wife Gloria as SEPULTURA’s manager.

SEPULTURA have now officially selected Jean Dolabella (ex-UDORA) as their new touring drummer following Roy Mayorga’s decision to join STONE SOUR as a full-time member.