Los Angeles-based metal band FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH has confirmed that it has parted ways with guitarist Darrell Roberts and replaced him with Jason Hook.

The group said in a statement: "The rumors are true, only with less spins and no turbulence. Every band has its growing pains, and after 18 months in the trenches, relentless touring and living together, we all came to a conclusion that a change had to be made. It was a mutual agreement between the band and Darrell, and both parties wanted to handle this with class and as friends in our own time and on our own terms. However, the rumor mill seems to work faster than anyone thought... It was a swift and smooth transition and we all remain good friends. All clichés aside, we really wish him the best on his musical endeavors. As for us, Darrell joined the band after our debut album was already recorded, so the direction and sound of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH obviously won't change a bit."

Jason has worked with many acts over the years, including ALICE COOPER, BULLETBOYS, STEPHEN PEARCY and VINCE NEIL. He also has a solo album out, called "Safety Dunce", which won the L.A. Music Award in 2005 for "Best Independent Instrumental Album." The CD saw Hook partnering with FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH drummer and co-producer Jeremy Spencer to make a collection of recordings that strayed from traditional guitar instrumental music.

Commented FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH guitarist Zoltan Bathory: "[Jason's] an unbelievable player, and a good friend of all of us, so we hope our fans will welcome him in the DEATH PUNCH crew."

He added, "We are pushing forward; the European tour is just a couple of weeks away. We're planning on more international tours in '09 and the release of our next record sometime this summer. We'd also like to use this opportunity to thank all of our fans for their dedication and their continuous support.... It's a rarity these days, but you guys are truly amazing and made this band a big success."

Video footage of Jason Hook rocking the axe for FPE-TV can be viewed below.

Darrell Roberts played guitar for W.A.S.P. for several years and took part in the "Neon God" recording and touring cycle. He was also a member of TUFF and he played the "James Hetfield" role in the popular late '90s West Coast METALLICA tribute band ALCHOLICA.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH was cited as one of the breakout rock bands of 2008, with their debut album, "The Way of the Fist", selling more than a quarter of a million copies and producing three singles, including the new "Stranger Than Fiction". With the new track climbing the charts and more touring on the horizon, singer Ivan Moody told The Pulse of Radio that the stakes are getting higher for the band in 2009. "It's getting intimidating, yeah," he said. "It seems like the more people falling into us, the more weight is put on our shoulders, the higher the expectations, but you know, I've never been one to run away from that kind of thing. For me, if it takes a little bit more pressure to get us out there to more people, and to make the shows better, I'm all about it. Bring as much of the pressure as you can possibly manage."

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's previous single, "Never Enough", was taken from an expanded edition of "The Way of the Fist" released late last year.

"The Way of the Fist" has sold 278,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The Canadian version of the CD, which was released on November 4, includes a live version of "The Devil's Own" and an acoustic version of "The Bleeding".