Nearly a month after expressing "moral objections" to the direction of the band's music, Brian "Head" Welch, founding guitarist of successful heavy metal act Korn - announced on Sunday on Bakersfield, CA rock station KRAB-FM that, after 13 years together, he is leaving the band to pursue a life with Jesus Christ.

"I'm good friends with Korn and everything still. I love those guys [and] they love me. They're very happy for me," said Welch, who wrote an official letter of resignation from the band on the 8th.

"I think if kids want to go and listen to Korn, then good. But there's happiness too, after the anger. There's happiness, and I'm going to show through my actions how much I love my fans."

Welch will discuss his reasons for leaving and future plans in this Sunday (February 27), when he addresses the congregation at the Valley Bible Fellowship in Bakersfield, California. He plans to leave for Israel the following day (Monday, Feb. 28).

Korn's remaining members yesterday posted on their official website (www.korn.com) a response to Welch's departure, which read:
"Korn has parted ways with guitarist Brian 'Head' Welch, who has chosen Jesus Christ as his Saviour and will be dedicating his musical pursuits to that end. We respect Brian's wishes and hopes he finds the happiness he is searching for."

A replacement for Welch is yet to be named by the band who is currently working on their 8th studio album, set to be released this September.