Moments ago, Arch Enemy revealed a huge announcement on their Facebook page:
Metal icons Arch Enemy are proud to announce that guitar legend Jeff Loomis (ex-Nevermore) will be joining their ranks for their upcoming European tour which kicks off November 26, as well as all future tours in 2015.
This is pretty massive news. Loomis of course is the former guitarist of Nevermore and since leaving that band he has been working on a ton of projects, most notably Conquering Dystopia.
Loomis replaces guitarist Nick Cordle, who joined the band about two years ago and wrote on their last album, War Eternal. No reason for Cordle leaving was given. He is off their touring lineup as of immediately, being replaced by the guy he replaced, Chris Amott (who happens to be Arch Enemy lead guitarist Michael Amott's brother). To prove there was no bad blood, a statement from Cordle was also included:
"With War Eternal I believe we wrote an album together which will stand the test of time, and I wish them well for the future."
While Chris Amott will be closing out the remainder of the U.S. run, Loomis will be joining the band next month on their European tour and throughout 2015. Loomis, for his part, seems excited:
”I'm very excited to be playing with Arch Enemy. Michael Amott and I have stayed in contact over the years since we toured together when I was playing in Nevermore. Not only do I admire his guitar playing and songwriting, but I also consider him a close friend. To be able to share the stage with Michael, Sharlee, Daniel and Alissa is something I'm really looking forward to. 2015 is going to be a great year… See you all on tour!”
The thought of Loomis touring with Arch Enemy is interesting but the idea of a Loomis/Amott double-shred attack on a potential new Arch Enemy album is enough to make guitar nerds' panties moisten. This is certainly an interesting development that we will continue to follow.
Arch Enemy's remaining US dates (with Chris Amott)
Nov. 18, 2014 – Mill City Nights – Minneapolis, MN *
Nov. 19, 2014 – Mojoes – Joliet, IL
Nov. 20, 2014 – The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
Nov. 21, 2014 – Majestic Theatre – Detroit, MI
Nov. 22, 2014 – Bogarts – Cincinnati, OH
Nov. 23, 2014 – House of Blues – Cleveland, OH
Arch Enemy's European tour:
ARCH ENEMY – live in Europe with KREATOR
Nov. 26, 2014 – Le Transbordeur – Lyon, France
Nov. 27, 2014 – L'Usine – Istres, France
Nov. 28, 2014 – Razzmatazz – Barcelona, Spain
Nov. 29, 2014 – La Riviera – Madrid Spain
Dec. 1, 2014 – Le Bikini – Toulouse, France
Dec. 2, 2014 – Le Bataclan – Paris, France
Dec. 4, 2014 – 013 – Tilburg, Netherlands
Dec. 5, 2014 – MHP Arena – Ludwigsburg, Germany
Dec. 6, 2014 – Turbinenhalle – Oberhausen, Germany
Dec. 7, 2014 – Garage – Saarbrücken, Germany
Dec. 8, 2014 – Docks – Hamburg, Germany
Dec. 9, 2014 – Huxleys – Berlin, Germany
Dec. 11, 2014 – Schlachthof – Wiesbaden, Germany
Dec. 12, 2014 – Eventhall – Geiselwind, Germany
Dec. 13, 2014 – Tonhalle – München, Germany
Dec. 14, 2014 – Z7 – Pratteln, Switzerland
Dec. 16, 2014 – Institute – Birmingham, UK
Dec. 17, 2014 – O2 Academy – Bristol, UK
Dec. 18, 2014 – The Forum – London, UK
Dec. 19, 2014 – Academy – Manchester, UK
Dec. 20, 2014 – Academy – Dublin, Ireland
Dec. 21, 2014 – QMU – Glasgow, UK
Dec. 22, 2014 – O2 Academy – Newcastle, UKARCH ENEMY – live 2015
Jan. 22-26, 2015 – 70,000 Tons Of Metal – Miami, FL
Jan. 29, 2015 – Teatro Estudio Cavaret – Guadalajara, Mexico
Jan. 30, 2015 – Jose Cuervo Salón – Mexico City, Mexico
Feb. 01, 2015 – Coliseo el Salitre Bogota, Colombia
Feb. 03, 2015 – Club Blondie Santiago, Chile
Feb. 04, 2015 – Rock & Soccer Antofagasta, Chile
Feb. 06, 2015 – Circo Voador Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Feb. 07, 2015 – Carioca Club – Sao Paulo, Brazil
Feb. 08, 2015 – Music Hall – Curitiba, Brazil
Feb. 10, 2015 – El Teatro Flores – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Feb. 12, 2015 – Plaza de toros Belmonte – Quito, Ecuador
May. 2, 2015 – Karmoygeddon Festival – Kopervik, Norway
Jun. 04, 2015 – Out & Loud Festival – Geiselwind, Germany
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGEoX409kxQ[/youtube]
[Thanks for the tip, Josh Lloyd]
