a Kix is reuniting with most of its classic-era lineup to record the band's first new album in nearly 20 years. Vocalist Steve Whiteman, guitarists Ronnie Younkins and Brian Forsythe and drummer Jimmy Chalfant are joined by Mark Schenker on the project, which is due this summer.

The Maryland-based band -- still perhaps best known for the power ballad 'Don't Close Your Eyes' from 1988's 'Blow My Fuse' -- has also announced a string of 2014 dates to promote the album, which is due this summer. The complete schedule is below. Go to the band's official site for more details.

Kix is collaborating with producer Taylor Rhodes, who helmed 1991's 'Hot Wire' and has also worked with Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne and Journey over the years. They signed with Loud and Proud Records, founded in 2007 by Tom Lipsky -- formerly of CMC International, which released Kix's most recent studio effort, 1995's 'Show Business.' Lipsky hired another friend of the band, Madelyn Scarpulla, as the label's general manager last year.

“The boys and I are so happy that our old friend, Tom Lipsky, has invited us to join the Loud and Proud family,” Whiteman says. “We worked with Tom and Madelyn Scarpulla on our last studio album, 'Show Business,' and we’re looking forward to working with them again with the release of the first new Kix album in almost 19 years!"

Original bassist Donnie Purnell left Kix in 1996, after producing 'Show Business.' Chalfant took over for founding drummer Donnie Spence in 1979.

Kix 2014 Tour Dates:
4/25 -- Columbia, MD
5/24 -- Pryor, OK
5/31 -- Sandusky, OH
6/6 -- Vernal, UT
6/21 -- Idaho Falls, ID
7/25 -- Royalton, MN
7/31 -- Leemore, CA

Watch Kix Perform 'Blow My Fuse'

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