One of late 2009's most highly anticipated tours has been put on hold, as Slayer, one of the archetypal thrash metal/death metal bands of all time, has had to cancel dates. Tom Aroya, the band's singer and bass player, has undergone back surgery, forcing Slayer to postpone touring plans in support of their new album World Painted Blood, which came out yesterday.

According to Slayer's MySpace page, "Tom Araya is currently under the care of a specialist for a back injury, thought to be related to his on-stage activity, and the physician has ordered an immediate surgical procedure to take place in Texas tomorrow (Tuesday) morning."

The band was preparing for their "Canadian Carnage" tour with Megadeth, to be kicked off by an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live this evening.

Dates will be rescheduled in the future, but one thing is for sure: you can damn well expect the rest of Slayer not to miss their scheduled Hot Topic appearance in Hollywood this afternoon.

H/t: CDInsight