PAGAN'S MIND Vocalist Forced To Sit Out Three Shows On European Tour

Vocalist Nils K. Rue of Norwegian metallers PAGAN'S MIND will be forced to sit out three shows on the band's upcoming three-week European tour with SYMPHONY X "due to unforeseen circumstances that popped up just a few weeks ago." He states, "I will do the shows in Hamburg and Bochum (the first two dates of the tour),but the next three German gigs (C-Club in Berlin, Colos-Saal in Aschaffenburg and Backstage Halle in Munich) will be with someone else behind the microphone."

Affected dates:

Oct. 02 - Berlin, Germany - C-Club
Oct. 04 - Aschaffenburg, Germany - Colos-Saal
Oct. 05 - Munich, Germany - Backstage Halle

He adds, "This is the first time ever I have had to ask for help, but this is the only solution right now as I don't want the band to cancel these important shows. And hopefully though I know we have found the right solution it will be the last time I need assistance.

"I called my good friend Michael Eriksen from CIRCUS MAXIMUS, and he is willing to help out. Being a loyal friend and colleague over many years, I felt he was the man to fill in. Michael has a fabulous voice, which he proved on a big scale when replacing [Roy] Khan from KAMELOT at ProgPower USA last year. Michael also brings with him our multi-talented friend Truls Haugen, drummer for CIRCUS MAXIMUS and INSENSE, but also the singer (!) for BEYOND TWILIGHT, and they will both be handling vocal duties for these three shows.

"Some of you know that Truls has sung with us before (as a guest at ProgPower USA in 2009, feel free to look that up on YouTube). In true PAGAN'S MIND fashion; expect nothing but quality.

"This whole situation might be a little odd to most people, especially me, but speaking for the whole band: PAGAN'S MIND are confident it will be good time for everyone. With the CIRCUS MAXIMUS guys up on stage together with PAGAN'S MIND, we simply know you will be in for a special treat!

"Michael and Truls state that 'It takes two to replace a Rue,' haha! Jokes aside, both are truly amazing vocalists and will be doing our songs just great.

"I will be back out on the road for the gig in Milan on October 7th and the rest of the tour, of course. A big thank you to Michael and Truls for helping me and my bandmates out. I hope for your understanding and look forward to see you on tour! (Except for those three dates, that is.)"

The "Intermission" single by PAGAN'S MIND, which was exclusively distributed via the June 2011 issue of Sweden Rock Magazine, was certified gold in Sweden by the International Federation Of The Phonographic Industry for sales in excess of 10,000 copies. (Note: Each copy of the magazine containing the CD sold in Sweden was counted towards the certification; the single itself was **not** sold separately.)

PAGAN'S MIND was presented with a Swedish gold award by Dag Ingebrigsten, the original singer of TNT, in front of a packed house at the band's concert in Trondheim.

PAGAN'S MIND has just released a new digital single, "Walk Away In Silence". The track listing is as follows:

01. Walk Away In Silence (5:08)
02. Intermission (5:41)
03. Crazy Nights (4:13) (LOUDNESS cover version)

"Heavenly Ecstasy", the sixth album from the PAGAN'S MIND, entered the official chart in the group's home country at position No. 10 (international artists) and No. 2 (Norwegian artists).

"Heavenly Ecstasy" was released on May 20 in Germany, May 23 in the rest of Europe and on May 31 in USA/Canada via SPV/Steamhammer. The follow-up to 2007's "God's Equation" was mixed last fall by Stefan Glaumann at Toytown Studios (RAMMSTEIN, MADONNA, WITHIN TEMPTATION) in Stockholm, Sweden. The effort was made available in four configurations: A limited-edition digipak with two bonus tracks, 28-page booklet and poster; a double gatefold LP with two bonus tracks on orange-colored vinyl; as a standard jewel case; and as a digital download.