NACHTMYSTIUM DROP OFF OPETH TOUR, ROB THOUSANDS OF METAL FANS OF AN AWESOME EXPERIENCE

Even the best package tours usually have at least one weak spot, band-wise; but the Opeth/High on Fire/Nachtmystium tour, which Vince and I got to check out last week, is pretty much perfect from start to finish.

And one of the reasons is – or guess now I should say “was” – the presence of Nachtmystium. Not only did they release one of the best albums of 2008, but they slay live.

Alas, they’ve now dropped off the tour, depriving anyone who is going to an upcoming date on this tour of one of the highlights of the evening.

A statement from the band reads:

“Due to some issues beyond our control, we’ve been forced to pull off the Opeth/High on Fire tour. We’re aggressively working to try to get things together for the second leg of our fall tour starting in Los Angeles on October 8th with Wolves in the Throne Room.

“We apologize to anyone who was hoping to see us on the Opeth leg of the tour.

“Thanks to all of those who came out in support at the shows that we did manage to play, it was great seeing you maniacs out!”

You always have to wonder about these “issues beyond our control” things – Was it rising gas prices? An internal problem within the band? Lack of tour support from the label? – but at the end of the day, I just feel bad for anyone who doesn’t get to check this band out in a live setting. ‘Cause they are on their shit.

At least there’s still Opeth and High on Fire (It should go without saying that the evening really belongs to Opeth.). But everyone should really go out of their way to see Nachtmystium when/if they come around with Wolves in the Throne Room.

-AR