Judas Priest and Ripper Owens, who was serving as Halford’s replacement, have “parted amicably by mutual agreement,” a statement from the band read. “The band is very grateful for Ripper’s work in helping them to continue to bring Judas Priest’s music to their millions of fans and they expect big things for him in the future.”

It’s been 12 years since Halford last fronted the band – nearly as long as they were together. Next year marks the group’s 30th anniversary, which they plan to celebrate with a global concert tour. A new album is also said to be in the works.

Formed in the early ‘70s in Birmingham, England, Judas Priest quickly became one of the biggest metal bands in the world. They’re best known for hits “Breaking The Law, “Living After Midnight,” “Exciter” and “Defenders Of The Faith,” to name a few.