Anglo-Chilean thrash masters CRIMINAL have been confirmed to support METALLICA at their January 26th open air concert at Club Hípico in Santiago de Chile.

Comments Criminal vocalist/guitarist Anton Reisenegger: "There are no words to describe how proud and happy we feel about being chosen to support Metallica and given the thumbs up by their management. To me personally, it's like a dream come true. I started listening to Metallica in 1983 when Kill 'Em All had just come out, and, although I have been critical of some of their later albums, I have always respected and admired them as the true innovators and great musicians they are. Without them, metal as we know it wouldn't exist."

Replacing drummer Zac O'Neil, who won't be able to do the show due to unavoidable prior commitments, the band has tapped Nick Barker (ex-CRADLE OF FILTH, DIMMU BORGIR, TESTAMENT) to play as a stand-in. Barker and Reisenegger are band mates in the extreme metal supergroup LOCK UP.

"We are very excited and proud to have Nick Barker do this show with us", continues Reisenegger. "As gutted as we are that Zac can't make it, we feel really privileged to be able to count on the services of one of the best drummers in extreme metal. This is going to be a very special evening for us and all our Chilean fans!"

Nick Barker had the following to say: "I feel extremely proud and honored that my good friend and fellow bandmate Anton asked me to stand in and man the drum throne for Criminal, supporting none other than the mighty Metallica in Santiago next week. I have always had an amazing time with some wonderful people when I've visited Chile in the past, the fans are simply the craziest and I can't wait to play there again... METAL UP YOUR ASS!!!"

In their 19-year career, Criminal have released consistently great albums and played with some of metal's biggest names such as SLAYER, SEPULTURA, KREATOR, EXODUS, MEGADETH, ANTHRAX, LAMB OF GOD, CHIMAIRA, SIX FEET UNDER, CANDLEMASS, MOTÖRHEAD and BRUCE DICKINSON, to name a few. In 2001, the creative core of the band, vocalist/guitarist Anton Reisenegger and lead guitarist Rodrigo Contreras, relocated to the UK. The line-up is completed by British musicians Zac O'Neil (ex-EXTREME NOISE TERROR) on drums and Dan Biggin on bass.

Criminal's latest album, White Hell, was released in February 2009 by Massacre Records. The band is currently booking a tour of the UK for the spring, as well as several feestival appearances for the summer.

More on Criminal at this location.