The initial/tentative dates for the forthcoming DIO/HAMMERFALL North American tour have been leaked. They are as follows:

Nov. 06 - Vancouver, BC @ TBA
Nov. 07 - Tacoma, WA @ Temple Theatre
Nov. 08 - TBA @ TBA
Nov. 09 - Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
Nov. 10 - Eugene, OR @ TBA
Nov. 12 - San Fransisco, CA @ Fillmore
Nov. 14 - Los Angeles, CA @ Universal Amphitheatre
Nov. 15 - Anaheim, CA @ House Of Blues
Nov. 16 - TBA @ TBA
Nov. 17 - San Diego, CA @ 4th & B
Nov. 19 - Albuquerque, NM @ TBA
Nov. 20 - El Paso, TX @ TBA
Nov. 22 - Austin, TX @ TBA
Nov. 23 - Dallas, TX @ Canyon Club
Nov. 24 - New Orleans, LA @ House Of Blues
Nov. 25 - Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
Nov. 27 - St. Louis, MO @ TBA
Nov. 29 - TBA @ TBA
Dec. 01 - Chicago, IL @ House Of Blues
Dec. 03 - Louisville, KY @ Jillian's
Dec. 05 - Auburn Hills, MI @ Palace of Auburn Hills
Dec. 06 - TBA @ TBA
Dec. 07 - TBA @ TBA
Dec. 10 - Buffalo, NY @ TBA
Dec. 11 - Albany, NY @ TBA
Dec. 13 - New York, NY @ Roseland
Dec. 14 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
Dec. 15 - Hartford, CT @ Webster Theatre

Former YNGWIE MALMSTEEN frontman Mark Boals will issue a solo album, entitled Edge Of The World, in Japan on October 23rd though Marquee Inc, and in other territories shortly after.

Described in an official press release as "his most diverse and creative solo album yet," Edge Of The World "is very much a melodic hard rock album, whilst utilizing progressive, (some) neo-classical and classic rock influences." The album features keyboardist Erik Norlander (LANA LANE, ROCKET SCIENTISTS), drummers Vinny Appice (DIO, BLACK SABBATH) and Virgil Donati (RING OF FIRE, PLANET X), and guitarists Tony MacAlpine, Chris Brooks, Neil Citron and Jeff Kollman. Bass guitar and additional rhythm guitar duties were handled by Boals himself. 13 tracks (including a bonus track for the Japanese pressing) are contained on the CD, which was produced by Boals and engineered by Erik Norlander and Neil Citron.

DIO have reportedly shifted 5,722 copies of their latest effort, Killing The Dragon, in its first week of release, landing the album at position #199 on the Billboard 200 Pop Album chart.