Iced Earth are about to embark on the second leg of the Volbeat tour, which kicks off in Berlin, Germany, today and wraps up in Copenhagen, Denmark on December 1st. For the remainder of the Volbeat tour, Jon Dette ( Testament, Slayer), the go-to guy for tours, will be behind the drums taking over for Raphael Saini who filled in during the summer festivals, the recording of the new album, and the club leg of the Volbeat tour.

Iced Earth commented: "Raphael came in and helped us out of a tight spot this summer with a full schedule of festivals, a new album to finish, and no room for diversion on the schedule. He came in and delivered and we are very grateful for that. We wish him all the best for his future endeavours."

Raphael Saini says: "When I had the chance to join Iced Earth for their summer festivals and the new album, I couldn't say no: I was really excited even though I knew that it was going to be something temporary. I am honoured to be part of the band's history, an amazing album, and to have worked with some supremely talented musicians. My journey will continue, there's more to come."

As for the band's new album Plagues Of Babylon, it is being released next January and the first song previously released is still available here.

Source:	facebook.com
Band profile:	Iced Earth