It's two pieces of news from Death Cab for Cutie as the band announces the departure of a band member and the release of a new album.

Guitarist Chris Walla, one of the group's pioneering members, is set to leave the group after 17 years and take on a new chapter of his career. Frontman Ben Gibbard, drummer Jason McGerr, and bass player Nick Harmer made the official announcement of Walla's decision this Wednesday on their website.

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In their joint statement, the remaining members said, "We've had an incredible 17 years of making music with Chris. We are very proud of what we've accomplished together, including our 8th studio album which we have just put the finishing touches on."

They also expressed their well wishes for their ever reliable guitarist and said, "We will miss Chris and wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career. We are excited about sharing new music, and seeing all of you very soon."

Fans of Death Cab for Cutie need not to worry this year, though, as Walla will still play for the band in their remaining summer shows, with the final one at the Rifflandia Festival in Victoria, British Columbia between September 11 and 14.

Moreover, Walla is still on the band's upcoming eighth studio album which was recorded with Rich Costey as producer. The album is expected to be released in early 2015. Their last album "Codes and Keys" was released in 2011 and snagged a nomination for Best Alternative Music Album at the Grammys.

In Walla's statement to a music blog in Seattle, the guitarist said, "I will miss being a quarter of this band, and will support whatever course Death Cab for Cutie chooses from here."

The musician also expressed his never-ending thanks to his bandmates for their musical journeys that helped him in defining his adult life. To their fans, Walla said, "I am also grateful to, and deeply humbled by, all of our fans. Without you, music would be mere 'content' and nothing could possibly be sadder than that. Thank you all, so dearly."

Finally, the guitarist's statement was concluded with his sentiments on finding it hard to leave the band. While he has decided to move forward with his plans to make more music, he said he remains proud of what Death Cab for Cutie has accomplished as a band while also adding, "Darkness may find me, but I shall never choose it."

TagsDeath Cab for Cutie, Ben Gibbard, Chris Walla, alternative rock