Beast in Black leader and guitarist Anton Kabanen will not take part in the band’s upcoming North American tour supporting Helloween, as he has chosen to stay behind and concentrate on finishing the band’s long-anticipated fourth studio album.
Yesterday, the former BATTLE BEAST guitarist released the following message via social media: “Without further ado, sadly I have to tell you that I won’t be able to join my bandmates on the North American tour. I need to stay behind because it’s absolutely vital for the new album, which is still work in progress.
“Making this album has been imbued with constant distractions, challenges, deviations and problems which have effectively stanched the creative, technical and practical workflow beyond acceptable, especially in the past couple of years. But reality always wins. However, the album has finally reached a pivotal checkpoint but requires my utmost attention more than ever to make sure it lives up to what you’ve been waiting for, and what you deserve from us.
“This wasn’t an easy decision. I know many of you were looking forward to seeing us together on stage, and I’m truly sorry for any disappointment this may cause. The band will still be going out there giving you the best-of-the-BEAST shows, and I fully stand behind them.
“Thank you for your understanding, your patience, and for always standing by us. We can’t wait to share the new music with you and be back on stage together again as soon as possible”.
Beast in Black kicked off its North American tour alongside Helloween yesterday night (Tuesday, April 7) in Dallas, with the run set to wrap up on May 2 in Las Vegas.
