Eyehategod drummer Joey LaCaze passes away

News has come in overnight that Joey LaCaze, drummer and co-founder of New Orleans sludge-metal outfit Eyehategod has passed away, aged 42.

Though details or an official statement are yet to be released from the band, metal blog Inivisible Oranges among other sources have reported his passing. LaCaze had recently returned from a European tour with Eyehategod, and was preparing for a slew of dates in celebration of the band's 25th anniversary.

LaCaze formed Eyehategod with guitarist Jimmy Bower in1988, releasing four albums with the band - their most recent being 2000's 'Confederacy of Ruined Lives'. The band were reportedly gearing up to record a new album, releasing a new song late last year.

LaCaze is survived by his wife and daughter.