A few months ago, Machine Head announced a big North American tour with Epica, Children Of Bodom and Battlecross, set for this October. However, the band now postpones that tour because it seems that their new album Bloodstone & Diamonds is taking longer to complete than expected and they need the time to work on it. It's a bummer not only to the fans but also the other bands on the bill who are not pleased about it.

The band's statement: "It is with great disappointment that Machine Head must announce the postponement of our North American tour this fall. Our new album Bloodstone & Diamonds has taken longer to complete than expected and we had to make the difficult choice to either delay the album, let it go out as incomplete, or cancel the tour in order to properly finish and promote the album in the caliber it needs to be done. We decided postponing the tour was the best decision for the record. We feel this record is a milestone, we feel we have something truly special here, but getting there has been a challenge. Our vocalist/guitarist Robb Flynn just returned from a press tour where he was playing rough mixes and incomplete versions of songs for the press just to try and keep everything on time for our November release date. Refunds will be available for tickets at point of purchase. Look out for rescheduled American tour dates for the beginning of the year. All scheduled European tour dates will remain as scheduled."

Epica posted this message about the cancellation: "We are really disappointed to inform you that our upcoming North American Tour in support of Machine Head has been cancelled. We were very much looking forward to play North America and to meet our US and Canadian fans again. Needless to say, this is a real blow for us. We hope to be able to return to North America as soon as possible!"

And Children Of Bodom said on their Facebook page: "Hate Crew! We are super bummed to announce that our scheduled North American tour with Machine Head, Epica and Battlecross has been shut down by Machine Head. Apparently MH has to finish working on their new album, so they've chosen to postpone this scheduled tour, even though it was just two weeks away. We were really psyched to see everyone and kick some ass for you guys with another round of our Halo Of Blood world tour, but this decision was out of our hands, unfortunately. So...we're gonna use this time that we would be touring to keep working on the next COB record! Stay tuned to our Facebook page for updates all around and we'll hopefully be able to make it back to North American soon to rock with all you crazy metal heads. Stay positive and horns up!"

Battlecross also offered: "As most of you already may know, our tour next month with Machine Head, Children Of Bodom and Epica has been cancelled for reasons that we don't quite understand but we assure you that we are working with our management and agent to figure out a way to play these markets in any way possible. As you all know, Battlecross refuses to cancel shows and we will do whatever it takes to play for all of you, whatever it takes. Please reach out to your local promoters and tell them you want us to play this fall in your city while we work to get a tour package together. thank you all for your support."




Machine Head's 8th album Bloodstone & Diamonds (and their first for Nuclear Blast Entertainment) is scheduled for release on November 7th in Europe, and November 10th in the U.S. and U.K.

Source:	machinehead1.com
Band profile:	Machine Head