THE RETURN OF BYZANTINE… SORT OF

Lambgoat is reporting that West Virginia prog metallers Byzantine will be reforming for a series of 3 “farewell” shows in March 2010. The reunion comes more than two years after the sudden split that followed the release of their highly excellent album Oblivion Beckons, which earned #3 honors on my Top 10 list for 2008. Oblivion Beckons was a near-perfect record, a progressive American metal masterpiece; because the band broke up four days after the album was released they never had a chance to tour it and the record never got its due. Until now… sort of.

Vocalist/rhythm Guitar Chris “OJ” Ojeda had this to say about their upcoming reunion: “2 and 1/2 years ago we put a sudden and abrupt halt to our musical careers under the name Byzantine. It was a really anti-climactic way to go out. We know a lot of fans and friends alike felt cheated that we didn’t play any shows supporting our last album, ‘Oblivion Beckons.’ Now, we all feel like it’s time to give a little something back, all guns blazing. Unfortunately, we are unable to tour since we live scattered across 3 states, have children and full-time jobs, but we want to give our local fans something to remember us by.”

While this doesn’t seem like a full-fledged reunion, at least the band will be getting together to play a series of shows for their fans, all 3 in March of next year in their home state of West Virginia. Dates are listed after the jump, although tickets aren’t yet on sale. Here’s to hoping these shows lead to new Byzantine music, because I’ve a feeling they’ve got a lot left in the tank.

3/5 Charleston, WV @ The Sound Factory
3/6 Huntington, WV @ The V Club
3/7 Morgantown, WV @ 123 Pleasant Street