NOCTURNAL RITES Cancels WACKEN Appearance; METAL CHURCH Steps In

Swedish melodic metallers NOCTURNAL RITES have been forced to cancel their appearance at this year's Wacken Open Air festival, set to take place August 3-5 in Wacken, Germany. Replacing them on the bill will be none other than METAL CHURCH, who will perform on August 5 at 12:00 on the "Party Stage."

NOCTURNAL RITES' official statement regarding the cancellation reads as follows:

"We haven't cancelled a show in more than seven years, so it's with heavy hearts that we now have to inform you that our appearance at WOA — one of Europe's best and most well-organized festivals — is regretfully cancelled. This is due to impossible logistical difficulties combined with several personal and family related problems. We simply cannot make it.

"Believe us: we had all immensely looked forward to playing at Wacken again. We had an amazing show there a few years ago and we sincerely hope to return and make up for this missed show in the future.

"To everyone who's going to WOA this year: have a great time, and once again we do apologize and hope you all understand."