GALACTIC EMPIRE, the heavy metal band whose lineup boasts some of the most infamous and feared villains in the galaxy, have postponed their ' UK invasion'.

The December UK dates have been rescheduled for February 2017, which will coincide with the launch of the band's debut album, out 3 February via Rise Records.

They will be at The Talking Heads in Southampton on Thursday February 2.

Dark Vader (lead guitar) explains: "Greetings loyal subjects of the U.K. System. The rebel traitors have stolen our plans for the upcoming December 1-20 tour dates. We have been forced to re-schedule our sonic devastation for February 2017. All tickets sales will be honoured for the new dates, or refunded. There will be no one to stop us this time!"

Unable to make the rescheduled dates, Nick Johnston has been replaced by instrumental progressive act Sithu Aye.

Check out Galactic Empire performing the main Star Wars theme here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPV9NNvtL20

All tickets will be honoured for new dates or refunded.