Yesterday, I attended the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival in Camden, NJ expecting to see In Flames. That’s why I was surprised when I walked into the press tent and was handed the press release as seen off to the side.

Due to a family illness, In Flames have been forced to drop off the remainder of this year’s Mayhem Fest. The band released the following statement:

“It is with huge regret that today with immediate effect In Flames must cancel their current U.S. shows as part of the Rockstar [Energy Drink] Mayhem Festival and their own U.S. headline shows. But due to a serious terminal illness of one the band’s immediate family members, they feel they have no option.

We have had the most amazing and fun times as part of the Rockstar Mayhem Festival and we are truly grateful for all the support the whole festival has shown.

We will be back at the start of 2012.

Once again, our apologies.”

At the moment, it is currently unclear as to which band member’s family has suffered this blow. While it is certainly a shame for both the band and fans that In Flames had to drop off the tour, family does and should come first. Our condolences to the In Flames member and his family.