GWAR suits up for Halloween tour

GWAR plans to mount its annual Halloween tour on Oct. 20, according to a spokesperson for Metal Blade records. The group--known more for its costumes and gore-filled shows than for its brand of heavy-metal music--will be joined on the tour by Amen and Lamb of God.

"It's time for you to stop washing and start drinking, and in general prepare yourself for the gluttonous bowel-fest that awaits," said GWAR leader Oderus Urungus in a statement announcing the tour. The statement also indicated that band members Sleazy P. Martini and the Sexecutioner would join the group on stage for the first time in years.

The 14-date run will begin in New Jersey, and is set primarily in the Northeast, with stops scheduled in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Washington D.C. Also on the itinerary are dates in Ohio, West Virginia, Michigan and Illinois.

The Misfits and Murphy's Law will be joining GWAR for the Oct. 21 show in Worcester, Mass., according to GWAR's official website. The tour is scheduled to wrap up in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., on Nov. 4.

GWAR's most recent album "We Kill Everything" was released in April 1999. Fellow Metal Blade artist Lamb of God released its debut album "New American Gospel" last month; the band was previously named Burn the Priest, according to Metal Blade.

Amen's "We Have Come for Your Parents," meanwhile, is set for release on Halloween.

According to Oderus Urungus' statement, "Both these [opening] bands kick f***ing ass, so you better be there early."