Rockers Korn [ tickets ] have hired Rob Patterson, formerly of Otep, to play guitar on their upcoming European tour, but he'll be delivering his riffs from off-stage.

Founding Korn guitarist Brian "Head" Welch exited the popular metal group in February, citing a newfound devotion to religion.

"We don't want to use samples or tape 'cause that would suck," Korn [ tickets ] frontman Jonathan Davis wrote in a recent blog entry. "We are not ready to have a new guy on stage with us. This is for the first Europe run only; we have some new exciting ideas on how we are gonna play live in the future, and I am sure it will blow your mind."

The European jaunt launches Aug. 9 in Malaga, Spain, and more than a month of dates are scheduled. The itinerary is posted on Korn's official website.

Davis' blog entry also says that the band is mixing material for a new album, the release date for which hasn't been announced. "Mixing is going great; 13 songs done and they sound f---ing amazing," he wrote.