KAMELOT Singer Unable To Tour Behind New Album; RHAPSODY OF FIRE's LIONE Steps In

American/Norwegian melodic metallers KAMELOT have released the following statement:

"Unfortunately, we have been informed that, due to continuing medical and
personal issues, [vocalist] Roy Khan [full name: Roy Sætre Khantatat] will not be able to finish the remaining touring in support of [KAMELOT's latest album] 'Poetry For The Poisoned'. However, we are pleased to announce that metal icon Fabio Lione (RHAPSODY OF FIRE) will be joining the tour and handling the lead vocal duties. There will also be guest vocal appearances throughout the tour by Simone Simons (EPICA), Tommy Karevik (SEVENTH WONDER), and many more surprise guests throughout this very special and rare tour."

Fabio Lione is eager to get on the road, stating, "I am excited and pleased to be part of the next KAMELOT tour..I always loved the sound of the band..and I think this will be a great experience for me, the band and for all the fans of great music and KAMELOT... See you soon on tour and let's rock!!!"

KAMELOT has announced the following two shows as part of what will be a full U.S. tour.

Aug. 30 - Grammercy Theater - New York, NY
Sep. 02 - Club Soda - Montreal , Quebec Canada

Promoters will offer a special VIP ticket for these shows. This will include a pre-show meet-and-greet, and an autographed poster commemorating the show.
Both shows go on sale today exclusively through EnterTheVault.com until January 22, when they will become available everywhere.

KAMELOT recently announced its highly anticipated return to Europe on the heels of "Poetry for the Poisoned". The 2011 European leg of "The Pandemonium Tour" will begin on April 22 at Paris' famous Elysee Montmartre venue, taking the band's spectacular show to 18 top venues and a host of new cities in Europe.

In keeping with KAMELOT's flair for the theatrical, as well as their innovative and creative spirit, the second leg of the tour promises to push the limits of the live concert experience, bringing fans a spectacle even more eye-popping than what they experienced during the thrilling first leg of "The Pandemonium Over Europe Part 1". "It's still called 'The Pandemonium Tour', but it's more theatrical and visual than before," guitarist Thomas Youngblood said in a October interview. "It has a dark theme, a new stage design and more surprises for the KAMELOT fans!"

"Poetry For The Poisoned" sold around 6,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD was released in North America on September 14 via the group's own label, Kamelot Media Group (KMG Recordings), and in Europe on September 10 through earMUSIC/Edel. Marquee/Avalon Records made the CD available in Japan.

Recordings took place in the familiar Gate Studios in Wolfsburg, Germany with producers Sascha Paeth and Miro. Additional tracking also took place in Tampa, Florida as well as various studios in Sweden, Greece and the U.S.

"Poetry for the Poisoned" features guest appearances by Simone Simons (EPICA), Gus G. (OZZY OSBOURNE, FIREWIND), Björn "Speed" Strid (SOILWORK) and Jon Oliva (SAVATAGE, JON OLIVA'S PAIN). The artwork was created by many great artists, including Seth Siro Anton, Natalie Shau and Michal Loranc.

The Album Finished In The GlobalProgressive Rock Network's Top 100 of 2010 in the #22 position at http://gagliarchives.com/10top100.html

SOURCE: RNRCOLA / SW