After 13 years together, award-winning, Canadian Christian rock group Downhere will disband after its fall tour, the band has announced on its Web site.

"It is with many memories and deep feelings that we relay to you the decision we have made over the course of the last year," the posting said. "Jan. 1, 2013 will mark the end of our traveling ministry for the foreseeable future. It has become very clear to us that this chapter of our journey, initiated by God, is drawing to a close.

"While we mourn the end of this season, we also celebrate over a decade of ministry," the group added. "It has been hard work and our families have paid a big price. The friends, songs, experiences and lives changed as a result of hearing the truth of God's love has sustained us through many years and miles."

On the Centricity Record lable, Downhere won the Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year for Ending Is Beginning in 2009 and Wide-Eyed and Mystified in 2007 during the Juno Awards, Canada's equivalent to the GRAMMY Awards. The band won its first Juno Award for Best Gospel Album in 2002 for its self-titled debut CD.

Comprised of Marc Martel, Jason Germain, Jeremy Thiessen and Glenn Lavender, Downhere has also won several awards during the annual GMA Covenant Awards, the pinnacle event of the former Gospel Music Association Canada Week. Downhere's final album was On the Altar of Love, which released in 2011.

Click here for more information on Downhere's upcoming fall tour.