Kill Devil Hill may have lost one of their name performers and key contributors when drummer Vinny Appice left the band, but they've filled the void quite nicely with the addition of new drummer Johnny Kelly. The former Type O Negative skinbeater will be with the group when they return to the road in April.

"I'm really excited about coming on board with Kill Devil Hill," says Kelly. "I've been a fan since their debut and have known the guys for a long time. It's also clear that I have some really big shoes to fill. I'm ready for that challenge as I prepare for KDH's next chapter -- this is gonna be a blast!"

As for Appice, he stated, "It's been a great musical adventure from the beginning, but the time has now come to go our separate ways and continue to make music that we love."

Bassist Rex Brown adds, "We all have a lot of love and respect for Vinny and have been honored to have jammed with him over the last few years. We wish Vinny well with all his future endeavors. It has been a blast."

Kill Devil Hill are planning for a handful of shows in Australia in April, but will get in three North American dates with Kelly to prepare for the run. The band will play shows in Las Vegas, Hollywood and Long Beach, Calif. from April 4-6. Their full itinerary can be seen below.

Kill Devil Hill April 2014 Tour Dates

4/4 -- Las Vegas, Nev. -- Count's Vamp'd
4/5 -- Hollywood, Calif. -- Viper Room
4/6 -- Long Beach, Calif. -- Gas Lamp
4/11 -- Brisbane, Australia -- Eaton's Hill
4/12 -- Kensington, Australia -- UNSW Roundhouse
4/13 -- Melbourne, Australia -- Palace Theatre
4/15 -- Adelaide, Australia -- HQ Complex
4/16 -- Perth, Australia -- Metro City

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