ONSLAUGHT vocalist Sy Keeler will sit out the band’s upcoming “Thrash Invasion Tour 2014” of the U.S., Canada and South America due to health issues with his son. He will be replaced for the duration of the trek by former ANTHRAX singer Neil Turbin, according to blabbermouth.net.

Says Keeler: “I know you are going to be disappointed with my decision as am I, but I sincerely hope you can understand our situation.

“My reason for this is the ongoing health issues with my son, who has been suffering with a debilitating illness for some time. He is still on a downward path with no sign of any recovery on the horizon. Therefore, to be away for two months will put a lot of pressure on the family and increased anxiety on my son. We also have regular visits to specialists coming up during the next six months. Therefore, at this time, I am having to think of my family first and sadly I am unable to be away in the Americas for the duration intended.”

Adds ONSLAUGHT guitarist Nige Rockett: “We’re extremely gutted that Sy cannot make this tour and, of course, we wish Sy’s family all the best in this difficult time. We are positive things will improve in the very near future and look forward to having Sy with us back real soon.

“It was a really tough decision for us to make also, but Sy was very supportive that we take out a replacement vocalist to make this tour happen.

“So much work had already been carried out by our management / booking agents / promoters behind the scenes, it would have been unfair to let our team down, the other bands down and, most importantly, not to let our fans down.

“On a positive note, it’s gonna be awesome to have Neil Turbin on board for the tou. For me, he’s always been one of the best thrash metal vocalists out there, no question. His work on the ANTHRAX album ‘Fistful Of Metal’ was simply amazing, and I believe he’s one of the only guys in the genre who could step into Sy’s shoes. I think it brings a unique edge to this tour and I’m sure the fans will really dig what they hear.”

ONSLAUGHT “Thrash Invasion 2014” tour dates with ARTILLERY:

Oct. 23 – Brooklyn, New York, Saint Vitus
Oct. 24 – Cambridge, Massachusetts, Middle East Club
Oct. 25 – Long Branch, New Jersey, The Brighton Bar
Oct. 26 – Peterborough, New Hampshire, The Wreck Room
Oct. 28 – Chicago, Illinois, Reggie’s
Oct. 29 – Indianapolis, Indiana, The Headquarters
Oct. 30 – Lakewood, Ohio, The Foundry
Oct. 31 – Columbus, Ohio, Alrosa Villa
Nov. 01 – Rochester, New York, The Bug Jar
Nov. 02 – Trenton, New Jersey, The Backstage at The Championship Bar
Nov. 03 – Springfield, Virginia, Empire
Nov. 04 – Hartford, Connecticut, Webster Underground
Nov. 05 – Albany, New York, Bogie’s
Nov. 06 – Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, La Salle Multi
Nov. 07 – Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Hard Luck
Nov. 08 – Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Mavericks
Nov. 09 – Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Le Petit Campus
Nov. 11 – Kingston, Canada, Mansion
Nov. 12 – Detroit, Michigan, The Token Lounge
Nov. 13 – Cudahy, Wisconsin, The Metal Grill
Nov. 14 – Spring Lake Park, Minnesota, Pov’s 65
Nov. 15 – Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Zoo Cabaret
Nov. 16 – Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Palomino’s
Nov. 17 – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, The Pawn Shop
Nov. 18 – Vancouver, B.C., Canada, Red Room
Nov. 19 – Seattle, Washington, Studio Seven
Nov. 20 – Spokane, Washington, The Hop
Nov. 21 – Victoria, B.C., Canada, The V-Lounge
Nov. 22 – Portland, Oregon, Tonic Lounge
Nov. 23 – San Francisco, California, The DNA Lounge
Nov. 24 – Anaheim, California, Orange County Music Hall
Nov. 25 – Mesa, Arizona, Club Red
Nov. 26 – Hollywood, California, Whisky a Go Go