Slipknot have announced that percussionist Chris Fehn has left the band after he launched legal action against the group over a financial dispute.

Fehn had been a member since 1998, three years after their formation, and had the lineup number of 3. He appeared on all five of their albums to date. It’s not known whether any contributions he made to their next LP, due in August, will be retained.

It was recently reported that Fehn had accused band leaders Corey Taylor and Shawn Crahan of “shady business dealings,” alleging that while he’d been kept fully informed of financial dealings with the main Slipknot business, other entities had also been set up without his knowledge.

Fehn is said to have demanded “full forensic accounting” with a view to recovering profits and damages. Following that revelation, Taylor tweeted that fans were “going to read a lot of bullshit. ... Just you wait til the truth comes out."

“Slipknot’s focus is on making album #6 and our upcoming shows around the world,” the band said in a brief statement on their website. “Chris knows why he is no longer a part of Slipknot. We are disappointed that he chose to point fingers and manufacture claims, rather than doing what was necessary to continue to be a part of Slipknot.”

The band added that it "would have preferred he not take the path that he has, but evolution in all things is a necessary part of this life. Long live the Knot.”

Fehn did not immediately respond with his own statement. Slipknot, who recently released a new single, “All Out Life,” are due to start a European tour on June 7, with North American dates beginning on July 26 and running until Sept. 8.

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