(RockAndMetal.com) (11/3/03)

By Michael Bennett

LONDON, UK - Britain's leading metal mob STAMPIN' GROUND have announced a full UK tour in November & December in support of their stunning new album "A New Darkness Upon Us," just released by Century Media last week.

The shows will be the band's first since their celebrated bill supporting SEPULTURA in July, and the first with their brand new line-up.

Long-time bassist Ian Glasper decided to step down from STAMPIN' GROUND to fulfill other pressing commitments to his family, his record label, writing a book, and other journalistic interests.

A full statement can be read below:

Official statement from Ian Glasper: "Obviously, as one of the founding members of the band, it comes as a huge wrench, but after eight years as the bassist with STAMPIN' GROUND, I've decided to step down from the band.

This decision has been prompted by my increasing responsibilities elsewhere, not least of all to my wife and young daughter, which would be severely compromised by the level of commitment required of STAMPIN' GROUND to tour and promote the forthcoming new album to the degree it deserves.

My time with the band has been a blast - I've played with most of my favourite bands and travelled to places I never dreamt I'd see, and I wouldn't have missed it for the world - but it's very apparent that it's time for me to move on. I believe that STAMPIN' GROUND's fourth album is by far the strongest record I've ever worked on with the band, so it's the perfect swansong for me, and to play the main stage at Download Festival as my last live show was another dream come true.

I would like to stress that this is an utterly amicable decision, I remain the best of friends with the guys in the band, and I wish them all the best for the future. I'd also like to extend my gratitude to everyone who has supported the band over the years and made it such a fun trip for me. Although it'll obviously be far more low-key than STAMPIN' GROUND, I'll be 'keeping my hand in' with several of my close friends in a new band called Suicide Watch, so keep your eyes and ears peeled for that.

I'm thrilled to hand over my role as bassist to Ben Frost, who has already played some shows with STAMPIN' GROUND when I was unable to make some European dates with Ignite and Agnostic Front a few years ago, and the recent dates opening for Sepultura. He was previously the guitarist/songwriter with Unite, who have toured extensively with STAMPIN' GROUND in the past and who were actually the first band I signed to my own label, Blackfish, so his appointment has karmic qualities attached to it as well!

It's a great opportunity for Ben to tour internationally and it's nice to know that my bass lines are in safe hands with someone who genuinely understands the ethics of the band."

STAMPIN' GROUND UK TOUR DATES:

NOVEMBER Shows:
30 Sheffield [Corporation]

DECEMBER Shows:
01 Glasgow [King Tut's]
02 Manchester [Academy]
03 Leeds [Josephs Well]
04 Liverpool [Liverpool University]
05 Cardiff [Engine Room]
06 Oxford [Zodiac]
07 Portsmouth [Wedgwood Rooms]
08 Nottingham [Rock City]
10 London [Mean Fiddler K-Fest]
11 Gloucester [Guildhall]
13 Exeter [Lemon Tree]
14 Colchester [Colchester Arts Centre]

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