ANNIHILATOR, Reunited SWORD To Team Up For Quebec City Concert

Canadian metal powerhouse ANNIHILATOR will perform at the 2011 edition of the Festival d'Été de Québec (Quebec City International Summer Festival) on July 10 at the Imperial Theater. This will mark the band's exclusive Canadian appearance this summer, a first for Quebec City and the first show in 18 years that ANNIHILATOR has played in North America.

Despite ANNIHILATOR's lengthy absence from North American stages, the band has been a success around the globe since its 1989's debut release, "Alice In Hell". With 13 studio CDs, millions of records sold and dozens of world tours under their belt, the members of ANNIHILATOR are fired up to show metalheads in Canada why ANNIHILATOR has earned a reputation as one of the best live international acts out there today.

Commented ANNIHILATOR mastermind Jeff Waters: "Well, it's been a long, long time since ANNIHILATOR has played its home country Canada; and it's about time!

"It's been 17 years since we have played here, despite releasing records and touring Europe and Asia every year for 22 years!

"I backed out of North American touring way back in 1994 as the metal scene essentially went underground until recently. I also ended up being a single father of a young son so I also decided to go where ANNIHILATOR was 'wanted' (Europe and Asia) and spent my off-touring months at home, being a dad and working in my studio.

"Now that my kid is a teenager, and the kind of metal we play seems back in full swing here in North America, it is time to get out there and rock... and what better place to return to rock than Canada's metal province: Quebec!

"We will hit the rest of Canada and the USA soon but, this summer, some metal fans will get what they have been threatening me for, for years: ANNIHILATOR's RETURN TO CANADA!"

Moreover, metal fans will have the opportunity to experience another comeback as Montreal-based metal legends SWORD (not to be confused with Texas-based luminaries THE SWORD) will act as direct support, after nearly 20 years away from the spotlight. Fans have been demanding their return for many years, and it has now become a reality. However, most of the bandmembers remained active in the musical scene during SWORD's two-decade hiatus.

SWORD was formed in early 1985 by brothers Rick Hughes (vocals) and Dan Hughes (drums),guitarist Mike Plant, and bassist Mike Larock. After signing with local label Aquarius Records, the band released its debut album, "Metalized", in 1986 and a follow-up effort, "Sweet Dreams", in 1987.

SWORD never made much headway south of the border and split up soon after the release of its sophomore album.

SWORD's sound was previously described as "a muscular brand of classic metal with tasteful riffs and solos by Plant and infectious shout-along choruses."

Rick Hughes released a solo album in 2006 entitled "Train D'Enfer".

The stage is set for a night to remember; and of the finest quality!