Epitaph Records is proud to welcome Southern California's iconic rock 'n' roll group Social Distortion to the label with plans to release their first studio album since 2004 in Fall 2010. The signing pairs one of rock 'n' roll's most renowned bands with one of the most respected independent labels for what could be the greatest match in decades.

"We feel that Epitaph has a natural understanding of Social Distortion; both the history of the band and the direction we want to go," says frontman Mike Ness. "Combine that with their successful track record and it felt like a good next step for us. We've always been open to new ideas and pushing the envelope, but we have also been very conscientious about the decisions we've made. We considered a lot of options, but in the end, Epitaph feels like the right home for us. We're looking forward to taking this step forward, opening some new doors with this upcoming album and this next chapter of Social Distortion."

"My relationship with Mike goes way back to the beginnings of our careers in the LA music scene," adds Epitaph owner and president Brett Gurewitz. "Through the years Social Distortion have been a matchless voice in American rock and roll and I couldn't be more thrilled to play a part in the next chapter for this great band."

In March the band entered a Burbank studio to record their yet to be titled seventh studio album, produced by Mike Ness, which is slated for release this fall.

"We went back to tape, old compressors and old microphones," Ness recently told Spinner.com. "We're just really trying to fight modern technology as much as possible."

"The record reminds me very much of Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell (the band's 1992 release), but also I'm bringing elements of early New York '70s punk," said Ness.

Social Distortion also recently announced a U.S. summer tour with Dan Sartain and The Action Design. The tour kicks off July 27 in Poughkeepsie, NY and makes seven stops in the Northeast before the band heads to Chicago for an August 7 main stage performance at this year's Lollapalooza. Dates with Dan Sartain and The Action Design resume in Green Bay, Wisconsin on August 8. A complete list of tour dates follows.

Formed in Fullerton, CA in 1979, Social Distortion have spent the last three decades performing their signature style of roots driven rock 'n' roll and hard luck stories for fans worldwide while recording six classic, critically heralded albums including Mommy's Little Monster, Prison Bound, Social Distortion, Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell, White Light, White Heat, White Trash and Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll.

Social Distortion Tour Dates: July 27 - Poughkeepsie, NY - The Chance

July 28 - Hampton Beach, NH - Casino Ballroom

July 30 - Providence, RI - Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel

July 31 - Hartford, CT - The Webster

Aug 1 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom

Aug 3 - Wantagh, NY - Mulcahy's

Aug 4 - Lancaster, PA - Chameleon Club

Aug 5 - Rochester, NY - Nola's BBQ

Aug 7 - Chicago, IL - Lollapalooza

Aug 8 - Green Bay, WI - Oneida Casino

Aug 10 - Council Bluffs, IA - Stir Cove @ Harrah's

Aug 11 - Boulder, CO - Boulder Theater

Aug 13 - Boise, ID - Knitting Factory

Aug 14 - Medford, OR - Medford Armory