Iced Earth and Symphony X to Embark on 2012 Co-Headlining Tour

Experimental metal titans Iced Earth and Symphony X have just announced that they will be hitting the road together for a co-headlining tour in early 2012. The two bands will tear up North America with over 30 dates announced, with pre-sale tickets available starting today!

At first listen, the two symphonic and heavily atmospheric bands share the classic characteristics of Scandinavian metal, but both Iced Earth and Symphony X were made in America. This upcoming tour will give the bands the opportunity to play their home turf to rabid audiences all over North America. "This co-headliner tour will be a great experience for the fans," stated Iced Earth founder Jon Schaffer. "It is also way overdue for us to play a proper tour of North America. Get ready!"

Albany, N.Y., rock radio station Q103 recently interviewed Schaffer, with the guitarist offering an intimate look into his personal beliefs. When asked about how Schaffer keeps his sound fresh, he replied, "Not being a p--sy! For starters, I am metal. It’s what I do. Not a fashion, a way of life. It just comes natural." Schaffer also shares an opinion with one of his heroes, Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford, about heavy metal vocalists. "I am into melody so the growls don’t really work for me as a writer. I have never been interested in those kinds of vocals. I like singers that can sing even though some of it can be cool."

Check out Q103's full interview with Schaffer here.

Iced Earth and Symphony X 2012 Co-Headlining Tour Dates :

01/31 - Hartford, Ct.
02/01 - Philadelphia, Pa.
02/03 - Sayreville, N.J.
02/04 - Quebec City, Quebec
02/05 - Montreal, Quebec
02/06 - Toronto, Ontario
02/09 - Winnipeg, Manitoba
02/10 - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
02/11 - Edmonton, Alberta
02/12 - Calgary, Alberta
02/14 - Vancouver, British Columbia
02/15 - Seattle, Wash.
02/16 - Portland, Ore.
02/17 - San Francisco, Calif.
02/18 - Los Angeles, Calif.
02/20 - Las Vegas, Nev.
02/21 - Anaheim, Calif.
02/22 - San Diego, Calif.
02/24 - Salt Lake City, Utah
02/25 - Denver, Colo.
02/26 - Kansas City, Mo.
02/27 - Dallas, Texas
02/28 - Austin, Texas
02/29 - Houston, Texas
03/02 - Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
03/03 - Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
03/05 - Raleigh, N.C.
03/06 - Charlotte, N.C.
03/07 - Columbus, Ohio
03/09 - Worcester, Mass.
03/10 - New York, N.Y.
03/11 - Clifton Park, N.Y.