Finnish warmongers TURISAS are set to invade North American shores this upcoming spring as part of Pagenfest 2008, which also features their fellow countrymen Ensiferum, Tyr and Eluveitie. This Metal Maniacs sponsored trek, which kicks off on April 25 th, is in support of the group's critically acclaimed new album, The Varangian Way. Visit
http://www.myspace.com/paganfestusa for complete up to the date information and current touring itinerary.
Warlord Nygard (vocals) further comments:
"After years of talks about a North American tour and fans begging us to cross the big pond it is finally happening. We are looking forward to taking the new continent by storm together with our good friends Ensiferum and being backed up by two of the rising names in the scene, Tyr and Eluveitie. It is clear that the strength of this tour is not only in the individual bands playing, but the whole package. This is to be the ultimate tour of the year for any Pagan/Battle Metal fan, so brothers and sisters of Vinland; we will except no excuses - see you in the front row!"
TURISAS continues to establish their definitive brand of battle metal and has taken the UK by storm after recently landing the cover of Terrorizer, in addition to performing at The Download Festival (Linkin Park, Manson, Slayer, Maiden) and the Metal Hammer awards this past summer.
Be sure to check out
http://myspace.com/turisasofficial to view the stunning new video for "Rasputin" and to sample various tracks.
Central to The Varangian Way is the group's concept of a journey through the East-European river route through the lands of modern day East Europe. The Northmen who traveled this path in the 9th-11th centuries were called Varangians. Key to the album's concept is a search for self and identity, both of which are explored by the protagonist in The Varangian Way's eight songs. Truly a display of the band's dedication to the conceptual elements of the album, TURISAS made sure to include cultural influences from the lands the Varangians would have traveled through.
"TURISAS stand head, shoulders and helmet above the rest of the battle metal genre."
- Metal Hammer, UK
"A much needed twist and antidote to the current yawn-inducing metal scene"
- Rock Sound, UK
"Warrior Kings of Viking Metal set out on epic second voyage"
- Kerrang!, UK
TURISAS W/ Ensiferum, Tyr and Eluveitie
Apr. 25 - Toronto, ON - Opera House
Apr. 26 - Montreal, QC - Medley
Apr. 27 - Worcester, MA - Palladium (New England Metal and Hardcore fest)
Apr. 28 - Springfield, VA - Jaxx
Apr. 29 - Cleveland, OH - Peabody's
May 05 - Seattle, WA - Studio Seven
May 10 - Orange County, CA - California Metalfest
May 15 - Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX - Ridglea Theater
May 16 - San Antonio, TX - The White Rabbit
More dates TBA
