Delain’s North American tour with Amorphis and Anneke Van Giersbergen is currently scheduled to kick off this Thursday (19th) in Philadelphia, PA and it looks like these Dutch symphonic metal titans will be performing without drummer Joey de Boer. At least during the first chunk of the run. The group has made an official statement explaining the unfortunate delay with Joey’s U.S visa. Amorphis drummer Jan Rechberger has stepped up to fill in during Joey’s absence.

The band issued the following statement:

“Dear Delainers, 

Due to circumstances unforeseen and beyond our control, there has been a delay in our drummer Joey’s US visa. 

We have been assured that the visa will be approved, but it may take as much as a couple of weeks to get processed. 

Therefore we have to inform you that sadly, Joey will not make it to the US in time to perform at least the first run of the tour with us. 

Although we are deeply disappointed by the situation, we fortunately have a solution to rock out with all of you US Delainers as planned.

We are very grateful that Amorphis’ drummer Jan Rechberger has offered to perform double duty this tour and take his place behind the drums with Delain as well. Many thanks to him!

Please keep your fingers crossed for Joey and we look forward to starting our US tour in a few days!

See you soon!”

This marks at least the fourth instance within one month involving an issue with a delayed visa process. Last month, Rotting Christ were forced to cancel their scheduled appearance at this year’s Psycho Las Vegas due to an unexpected delay in the visa process. Orange Goblin drummer Chris Turner was forced to miss the group’s six date tour due to a delay with his visa, and Ingested were forced to miss their first three shows due to visa issues.