BEHEMOTH Frontman Releases Statement Regarding Illness, Tour Cancellations

Guitarist/vocalist Adam "Nergal" Darski of Polish extreme metallers BEHEMOTH, who was reportedly rushed to the Gdansk Medical University Hospital over the weekend to receive treatment for an undisclosed illness, has released the following English-language statement regarding his condition:

"I'd like to announce that BEHEMOTH won't be able to tour for the forseeable future.

"I don't wanna bore you with details here, but I'm sick and am receiving some serious medical treatment. It's gonna take another few weeks or more for full recovery, and so we have been forced to cancel all the BEHEMOTH shows in August, planned dates in Russia and Baltic States for September and October and our American tour in November.

"I know how much it sucks, but health comes first.

"I can assure all of you that when we return, I'll be stronger than death, and we'll reschedule every tour as soon as logistics allow.

"I feel good and strong, my mind is focused, I've got my loving woman by my side, my band mates, friends (never thought there are so many, haha),management, agents and label people are giving me massive support. I can't ask for more but a little patience now.

"The fact that we won't be touring for the next few months doesn't mean we'll hibernate. BEHEMOTH will be active on several other levels.

"In upcoming days you can expect the premiere of our newest video, 'Alas, Lord Is Upon Me', which is by far the sickest fuckin' thing we've ever done! 'Evangelia Heretika' DVD is coming out as scheduled in November this year. Also, check out our webstore that opens for international markets in upcoming weeks.

"This is it for now. Stay tuned!"

Jaroslaw Burdek, manager of Darski's girlfriend, 26-year-old Polish pop singer Doda (real name: Dorota Rabczewska),reportedly told the media in Poland that Nergal had been ill for several days prior to being admitted to the hospital.

It was reported by Se.pl that Darski was taken to the hematology division of the Gdansk Medical University Hospital, although this has not yet been officially confirmed.

Hematology, also spelled haematology, is the branch of internal medicine, physiology, pathology, clinical laboratory work, and pediatrics that is concerned with the study of blood, the blood-forming organs, and blood diseases.

BEHEMOTH's second DVD, "Evangelia Heretika", will be released in the U.S. via Metal Blade Records, in Europe through Nuclear Blast Records, and in Poland via Mystic Records.

BEHEMOTH recently shot a video for the song "Alas The Lord Is Upon Me", taken from the band's latest album, "Evangelion". The clip was produced and directed by Dariusz Szermanowicz and Grupa 13, which previously helmed BEHEMOTH's videos for "Ov Fire And The Void" and "At The Left Hand Ov God".