SUFFOCATION Frontman Says He Is Not Leaving The Band

Frank Mullen, frontman for New York death metal veterans SUFFOCATION, recently gave an interview (see video below) in which he revealed that he would no longer perform with the band full time. He has since issued the following statement clarifying some of his comments:

"I am not leaving SUFFOCATION. Massive, one-month-long touring on my side cannot be done anymore, though.

"When the new album is released next year, I will be touring as much as possible to support the album as well as the following year in 2014.

"When I was asked that question in the interview, I was taken off guard and didn't really know what my schedule was going to look like next year and wanted to try and answer.

"I haven't given much thought to what our touring schedule would look like since we've been in the studio recording the new release. So I'm going to be getting out there as much as I can to support the album and get out there in front of the ones who have supported SUFFOCATION over the years, the true fans. So we are going to be supporting this record as soon as it comes out."

The rest of the band adds: "We have respected this decision that Frank has made, but by no means does this mean SUFFOCATION will 'replace' him with new singer or stop touring.

"Death metal has been good to us, and we feel fortunate with the success we have achieved. For shows or tours he can't be a part of, there will be a well-respected, talented fill-in singer, so we as a band can continue to prosper and bring SUFFOCATION to the fans.

"Bill Robinson (DECREPIT BIRTH) is a good friend of ours and came through during the European tours when Frank was unable to make the shows, but he was just filling in those two times. The fill-in singer will be announced soon, and we promise that our fans will not be let down.

"We have been fortunate to make a great living playing music, and are willing to continue to give our fans what they want."

SUFFOCATION is putting the finishing touches on its new album, "Pinnacle Of Bedlam", for an early 2013 release via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was produced by the band at Full Force Studios in New York with longtime collaborator Joe Cincotta. The mixing and mastering of the effort will be handled by Chris "Zeuss" Harris (HATEBREED, ARSIS, SUICIDE SILENCE).

"Pinnacle Of Bedlam" will feature 10 genre-defining-bone-crushing tracks and also marks the return of drummer Dave Culross, who previously played on the "Despise The Sun" EP.

SUFFOCATION was among the inductees for this year's class of the Long Island Music Hall Of Fame. TWISTED SISTER frontman Dee Snider received the Harry Chapin Award at the event, which was held on October 18 at The Paramount in Huntington, New York. Snider also performed selections from his "Dee Does Broadway" album.