New Jersey thrash metal veterans Overkill have released the following statement:

"Due to an illness in the band, Overkill has canceled the remainder of its shows on 'The Dark Roots Of Thrash' tour in February. After some time for recovery, we'll be back out in the spring for our Scandinavian tour. See you then!!"

Overkill was forced to cancel two of the last three shows on the tour after the band's lead singer, Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth was diagnosed with what is called "walking pneumonia" and was medically advised to not perform due to it potentially getting worse if he did.

Added Overkill: "Blitz's condition has gotten slightly worse [after Saturday's show in Worcester, Massachusetts] and he needs some time to get back to 100%. We would like to thank Testament for a great tour and look forward to everyone back on the road soon."

"The Dark Roots Of Thrash" tour also features Testament Flotsam And Jetsam and 4ARM.

Overkill's new album, "The Electric Age", sold 6,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 77 on The Billboard 200 chart. The Cd was recorded and mixed at Gear Recording Studios in New Jersey, owned and operated by Overkill bassist D.D. Verni.