Swedish hard rockers THE POODLES have issued the following update:

"After two great weeks on the road, THE POODLES are sad to announce the cancellation of the rest of the tour. Jakob [Samuel; vocals] has become very sick and his illness is unfortunately preventing us from continuing. After struggling through the last two shows on pure will and heavy medication, the doctors have given him strict orders to rest and to not strain his voice.

"It has been extremely hard to come to this decision and the band sincerely hopes to be able to come back to do the remaining shows at a later date.

"We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and we are already looking into the possibility to come back in March."

Video footage of THE POODLES' October 31, 2009 concert in Munich, Germany can be viewed below (courtesy of "eblinternational").

THE POODLES' third album, "Clash Of The Elements", was released in Europe on August 28 via Blistering Records.

The CD entered the official chart in the band's home country at position No. 5.

The group, which last year parted ways with record label Lionheart International after a three-year partnership, once again worked with producer Mats Valentin.

THE POODLES last year recruited guitarist Henrik Bergqvist (SOUTHFORK, TIAMAT) to replace Pontus Norgren, who left the group to join HAMMERFALL. The new axeman made his live debut with THE POODLES in June 2008 at the Sweden Rock Festival in Sölvesborg, Sweden.