SUSPERIA: Stand-In Vocalist For U.K. Tour Announced

SUSPERIA has enlisted Bernt Fjellestad from fellow Norwegian band GUARDIANS OF TIME to stand in for vocalist Athera for the group's upcoming U.K. tour, which kicks off on May 18 in Bideford. The group says, "We've been rehearsing with him and it's all sounding great. Athera has even been down to rehearsals to give him some tips!"

Athera (real name: Pal Mathiesen) successfully underwent open-heart surgery on March 16 at Rikshospitalet University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. The vocalist was originally scheduled to have a triple bypass operation, but surgeons discovered further problems which resulted in Athera also having a main artery — which previously ran to his lungs — connected directly to his heart.

Athera has been advised by doctors that full recovery will take between three and five months. As a result, the band's previously announced Norwegian dates, which were set for April, have been postponed. The U.K. tour with BREED 77 will go ahead at the insistence of Athera himself, having urged the band not to let their U.K. fans down.

A new SUSPERIA song, "Live My Dream", is available for streaming at this location. The track comes off the band's fifth album, "Attitude", which is scheduled for release on May 19 via Candlelight Records (one day earlier internationally). The follow-up to 2007's "Cut From Stone" was recorded in Norway and was mixed at Studio Fredman in Sweden. It features guest appearances by Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT) and Shagrath (DIMMU BORGIR).

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. The Urge
02. Live My Dream
03. Attitude
04. Elegy And Suffering
05. Sick Bastard
06. Another Turn
07. Mr. Stranger
08. Character Flaw
09. The One After All

An e-card for "Attitude" can be accessed at this location.

Check out the cover artwork below.

"Ten years and still the same five guys," exclaims vocalist Athera of the band's long commitment to their music. "We have worked nearly two years on this material, perfecting it for your pleasure and our devoted fans. It will take you back to the early days with melancholic riffing and dark emotional vocals. It's a perfect blend of everything SUSPERIA has been and become."

Formed in 1998 by drummer Tjodalv (then of DIMMU BORGIR) and guitarist Cyrus (then of SATYRICON/OLD MAN'S CHILD),SUSPERIA released its debut, "Predominance", via Nuclear Blast in 2001. The band's much-acclaimed second album, "Vindication", followed in 2003. After signing with Norwegian label Tabu Records (with release in the U.S. via Candlelight Records) in 2004, the band released its third album, "Unlimited", later that year.

A powerful live act, the band has consistently remained focused to the live arena. With numerous high profile support, headline and festival appearances, one of the band's most cherished experiences thus far remains supporting the newly reformed TESTAMENT in late 2005. The dates would culminate in the release of the band's Norwegian charting mini-album "Devil May Care", followed by the group's fourth album, "Cut From Stone", in 2007. Unfortunately due to financial constraints two tries to visit the U.S. to support the Daniel Bergstrand-produced album during 2007/08 would set back the album's overall sales target but the band remained committed. Touring Europe, including numerous dates with W.A.S.P., the band's ambitions stayed and continue to remain in tact. "We now have the backing of one label worldwide and this is going to make life easier for us," says bassist Memnock. "We hope that finally we get to play to our American fans."

SUSPERIA currently includes guitarists Cyrus and Elvorn, bassist Memnock, with drummer Tjodalv and vocalist Athera.