Finnish folk/metal overlords TURISAS have issued the following update:

"We know that this comes a bit late, but tonight's [May 11] show [at The Cell Block in Phoenix, Arizona] has been cancelled, as well as the one on May 13 [at The Launchpad in Albuquerque, New Mexico]. Sorry for the late information, we only got confirmation yesterday ourselves.

"On the other note, the tour has been really great and the audience reception awesome. Thanks for everybody who have showed up, and you who still haven't, make sure to do something about it quick.

"Oh yeah, no thanks at all to the asshole who stole Olli's [Vänskä, violin] vest from near the backstage door at the Avalon, Santa Clara. Hope you're having fun with the sweat-and-paint-soaken glam costume!"

Capital Chaos has posted video footage of TURISAS performing at The Boardwalk in Orangevale, California on May 7, 2008. Watch the clip below.

TURISAS is currently touring North America as part of Paganfest 2008, which also features fellow Finns ENSIFERUM, TYR and ELUVEITIE. This Metal Maniacs-sponsored trek, which kicked off on April 25, is in support of the group's critically acclaimed new album, "The Varangian Way". The disc was re-released on April 29 and this special tour edition package features a bonus DVD jam-packed with live performance footage.

"The Varangian Way" bonus DVD content:

01. Rasputin (video clip)
02. Battle Metal (live) (recorded at Rock Hard Festival 2007)
03. To Holmgard And Beyond (live)
04. In The Court Of Jarisleif (live)
05. Battle Metal (live) (filmed live at Download Festival
06. Battle Metal (live) (recorded at With Full Force 2007)

Central to "The Varangian Way" is the group's concept of a journey through the East European river route through the lands of modern day East Europe. The Northmen who traveled this path in the 9th-11th centuries were called Varangians. Key to the album's concept is a search for self and identity, both of which are explored by the protagonist in "The Varangian Way"'s eight songs. Truly a display of the band's dedication to the conceptual elements of the album, TURISAS made sure to include cultural influences from the lands the Varangians would have traveled through.