Friday 13th December 2013 by Andrew Trendell | Photos by WENN

Tags: Slipknot

Slipknot fans have taken to Twitter to voice their 'devastation' at legendary drummer Joey Jordison leaving the band.

Earlier today, Slipknot wrote a statement to 'the maggots' to inform them that Jordison had made a shock departure from the band. However, Slipknot said that they remain on good terms and that they would do their best to disclose the reasons for Joey quitting when possible.

"It is with great pain but quiet respect, that for personal reasons Joey Jordison and Slipknot are parting ways," the statement reads. "We all wish Joey the best in whatever his future holds. We understand that many of you will want to know how and why this has come to be, and we will do our best to respond to these questions in the near future."

The band continue: "It is our love for all of you, as well as for the music we create, that spurs us to continue on and move forward with our plans for releasing new material in the next year. We hope that all of you will come to understand this, and we appreciate your continued support while we plan the next phase of the future of Slipknot."

In the wake of the news, 'maggots' took to Twitter to speak of their upset: 

Devastated that Joey Jordison has left Slipknot. Please don't split up!!

— Ally Waldron (@AllyCat86) December 13, 2013

"Joey Jordison leaves Slipknot" Excuse me while I cry

— Mark Blair (@MarkThomasBlair) December 13, 2013

Friday 13th 2013. The day when @joeyjordison left @slipknot A sad day in the World's history. :(

— ThirteeniaBadbatXIII (@MDorMG) December 13, 2013

I just keep telling myself that at least I saw Slipknot live before Joey left :( @joeyjordison why are you ruining my life :(

— Carolyn Manson (@KaeleyIbinson) December 13, 2013

JOEY JORDISON WHY DID YOU DO THIS?!!! THE MAGGOTS AREN'T READY YET FOR THE END OF IT ALL

— Microphone. (@mr00despair) December 13, 2013

Well, I'm glad that I can say I've seen Joey Jordison play with Slipknot. Won't be the same without him.

— Chewbarker (@Josh_Barker92) December 13, 2013

Joey Jordison: irreplaceable.

— Jess (@dustinwind_) December 13, 2013

Just found out about Joey Jordison leaving Slipknot, I'm shocked, such a great drummer.

— Alex Stedman (@AlexStedman) December 13, 2013

I am panicking about Joey Jordison a little bit more than I should be.

— Fabiana Coppola (@fabsyyy) December 13, 2013

Gutted that Joey Jordison has left Slipknot...

— Richard Raithby (@RichardRaithby) December 13, 2013

Earlier this year, Slipknot revealed that they were  working on their next studio album, with frontman Corey Taylor stressing that the album won't be 'forced'. The album will be the follow up to 2008's All Hope Is Gone and will be the first album since the death of founding member and bassist Paul Gray.

"If you're too overwhelmed then when you sit down and you try to write something then it feels forced. There is nothing worse than forced music. This world has enough of that right now," said Corey Taylor of the writing process in an interview with Fuse.

"It's basically McDonald's trying to make music. It's like, 'Everybody needs another hamburger and fries. Here's a piece of crap that nobody is going to care about in two years."

Below: Photos of Slipknot, KoRn and more live at Download 2013