KAMELOT Postpones North American Tour

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

"As many of you know, [KAMELOT vocalist] Roy [Khan; full name: Roy Sætre Khantatat] has fallen ill and could not make the North American tour.

"We have been rehearsing like madmen here in Tampa — the band is tighter than ever and [previously announced replacement vocalist] Michael [Eriksen] from CIRCUS MAXIMUS is truly an amazing singer; if there is one male vocalist in this world who is on par with Roy, it is Michael! However, after today's rehearsal, we all decided that we do not feel right about doing the North American tour as anything less than a 100% KAMELOT experience.

"We appreciate that many fans have waited more than two years for new material and to see us perform together.

"Our new album, 'Poetry for the Poisoned', represents a labor of love from us, and to present it at anything less than full strength seems a disservice to all involved.

"Though we will suffer financial losses on this late-hour cancellation, we still feel it's the right decision for us as a band to make.

"We regret disappointing all those who worked so hard to shape this tour, and especially those fans who were still so willing to come through and support us despite Roy's absence. We are humbled by that type of support, and we sincerely hope that our return in full-form KAMELOT strength will be more reward for your unwavering loyalty!

"We will reschedule all shows in the near future, once Roy is able to return.

"Refunds can be obtained at the point of purchase.

"To thank Michael for his effort, the band will still appear at the sold-out ProgPower [USA] festival, as a one-off show with him and many special guest singers from the festival.

"Again, we want to thank all of you for your amazing support!!"

KAMELOT's first North American tour in two years was scheduled to kick off on September 8 at the House Of Blues in Lake Buena Vista, Florida with support from LEAVES' EYES and BLACKGUARD.

"Poetry For The Poisoned", the highly anticipated ninth studio album from KAMELOT, will be 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 will make 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.

"Poetry For The Poisoned" will be available in three versions:

* Regular CD edition
* Digipak CD with bonus DVD
* Two-LP gatefold vinyl edition

DVD bonus material:

* "The Great Pandemonium" video
* Exclusive and in-depth interviews with each KAMELOT member
* "Pick and Play" for the song "The Great Pandemonium"
* "Poetry For The Poisoned" background images
* Exclusive video footage from Norway Rock festival 2010
* Bonus song "House On A Hill" (uncut version)

KAMELOT recently tapped Swedish director Owe Lingvall of Village Road Films for the video shoot and production of the song "The Great Pandemonium". The clip can be viewed below.

KAMELOT is:

Roy Khan - Vocals
Thomas Youngblood - Guitar
Casey Grillo - Drums
Oliver Palotai - Keyboards
Sean Tibbets - Bass