BEAST IN BLACK guitarist Anton Kabanen will sit out the band’s North American tour as the support act for HELLOWEEN in order to focus on completing work on BEAST IN BLACK‘s long-awaited fourth studio album.

Kabanen released the following message via social media: “Without further ado, sadly I have to tell you that I won’t be able to join my bandmates on the North American tour. I need to stay behind because it’s absolutely vital for the new album, which is still work in progress.

“Making this album has been imbued with constant distractions, challenges, deviations and problems which have effectively stanched the creative, technical and practical workflow beyond acceptable, especially in the past couple of years. But reality always wins. However, the album has finally reached a pivotal checkpoint but requires my utmost attention more than ever to make sure it lives up to what you’ve been waiting for, and what you deserve from us.

“This wasn’t an easy decision. I know many of you were looking forward to seeing us together on stage, and I’m truly sorry for any disappointment this may cause. The band will still be going out there giving you the best-of-the-BEAST shows, and I fully stand behind them.

“Thank you for your understanding, your patience, and for always standing by us. We can’t wait to share the new music with you and be back on stage together again as soon as possible.”