Bassist Jon Bakker will be forced to sit out the upcoming European tour by Norwegian old-school black metallers KAMPFAR due to undisclosed “family issues.” The band says in a statement, “Initially we were reluctant to perform without his presence, but we are lucky to have a solid replacement lined up. Endre Moe, known from TRAIL OF TEARS, is an old friend and has been on the road with us many times before. The step up to bass duties is a natural one, and after a weekend of intense rehearsing we’re happy to say that this solution will be a very good one.”

KAMPFAR‘s European tour will kick off on May 27 in Bochum, Germany. Also appearing on the trek are SECRETS OF THE MOON, VREID and KRAKOW.

KAMPFAR has been confirmed as direct support for VREID on a North American tour which is slated to begin in late August and run through mid-September. This will be KAMPFAR‘s very first time touring on North American soil, and the latest volley of dates supporting new album “Mare”, released last month by Napalm Records. Entitled “The Black Path Of America Tour 2011”, the tour will also feature NECRONOMICON. Founding KAMPFAR vocalist Dolk had the following to say: “After a decade and a half, we will finally hit the States and Canada, and after several offers to go there have been turned down — KAMPFAR will finally join our ‘American Horde.’ It will be a meeting in honor and deep respect towards all those that have never lost their faith in us over there! It will be an inferno when we join forces in August and September!”

Source: Blabbermouth.net