Guitarist Quinn Lukas has announced he's quitting heavy metal band Icarus Witch to become a funeral director.

A statement from the Pennsylvania rockers' says Quinn will leave the band on September 17 following his last ever live show in their native state.

Quinn had already started training in mortuary science before joining Icarus Witch but will now finish his studies.

The statement reads:  "When Quinn joined the band in 2006, he put his mortuary science schooling on hold.

“Now Quinn's going back to school to become a funeral director, and Icarus Witch will enter the next chapter in our twisted tale as we prepare to release our fourth CD in time for a full U.S. tour this winter."

Icarus Witch formed in 2004 and despite numerous line-up changes have released two cult albums – 2005's Capture The Magic and 2007's Songs For The Lost.