Anthrax confirms European Tour dates

Anthrax will hit the road in Europe this summer with a series of festivals and headline dates as a precursor to the band's forthcoming new studio album, "Worship Music". The European dates kick off in Estonia on June 13 and continue into August, with the band returning to the U.S. for their July 9 headline appearance on the opening night of the Rocklahoma festival in Pryor, Oklahoma.

The band has been putting the finishing touches to "Worship Music", their first new studio album in six years. Due in the fall, the CD marks the studio debut of new singer Dan Nelson who joins longtime members Scott Ian (rhythm guitar), Frank Bello (bass), Charlie Benante (drums), and Rob Caggiano (lead guitar). Confirmed tracks include "Vampires", "Crawl", "The Devil You Know", "The Giant", "Fight 'em 'Til You Can't" and "Earth On Hell". The album was produced by Caggiano and Anthrax.

Said Charlie Benante, "New Songs, New Voice, New Energy! Here we go, back in the metal saddle again. I am happy to be a part of all the festivals this year. We've been away and I know you've missed us. It is time to worship the music that we all love, Anthrax Metal!"

"I can't wait to get to Europe and play shows," added Scott Ian. "It's been far too long and I miss our insane friends all over the continent. I'm especially excited about all the festivals we're playing. I expect nothing less than complete and utter insanity!"

2009 marks the 25th anniversary of the band's debut release, "Fistful of Metal". To celebrate, Megaforce Records is releasing a limited-edition (only 2,000 copies will be made) vinyl release of the album on May 12, 2009. The package will be spread over three 10-inch records in a tri-fold die cut jacket, and will also include the group's 1985 EP, "Armed and Dangerous". The "Fistful of Metal" vinyl limited edition reissue will retail for $39.98 and will be available at Anthrax's official web site, Anthrax.com, Amazon.com and record stores across the U.S.

Confirmed dates for Anthrax's 2009 European tour are as follows:

Jun. 13 - Rabarock Festival, Talinn, Estonia
Jun. 17 - Rockhal, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Jun. 18 - La Locomotive, Paris, France
Jun. 19 - Hellfest, Clisson, France
Jun. 20 - Kobetasonik, Bilboa, Spain
Jun. 22 - Sottotetto, Bologna, Italy
Jun. 23 - Schuur, Lucerne, Switzerland
Jun. 25 - T-Mobile In Music Festival, Zagreb, Croatia
Jun. 26 - Noc Plna Hvezd, Trinec, Czech Republic
Jun. 27 - Serengeti Festival, Schloss Holte-Stukenbrock, Germany
Jun. 28 - Devilside Open Air, Duisburg, Germany
Jun. 28 - Graspop Metal Meeting, Dessel, Belgium
Jun. 30 - Paard, Den Haag, Netherlands
Jul. 01 - Melkweg, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Jul. 03 - Reload Festival, Twistringen, Germany
Jul. 04 - Sonisphere, Hockenheim, Germany
Jul. 18 - Sonisphere, Hultsfred, Sweden
Jul. 25 - Sonisphere, Pori, Finland
Aug. 01 - Sonisphere, Knebworth, England