SUFFOCATION Confirms Split With Drummer MIKE SMITH, Taps DAVE CULROSS As Permanent Replacement

New York death metal veterans SUFFOCATION recently answered several questions about their split with drummer Mike Smith during an e-mail interview with Russia's HitKiller.com. Several excerpts from the question-and-answer session in their original English-language form can be found below.

HitKiller.com: It's been a sad surprise for everyone to hear the news about the split-up within the band. We've had a chance to hear Mike speaking his truth and his opinion of what's going on. How would you comment on the current situation? What do you think was the main reason of this sudden breakup?

Answer: We want to keep this respectful, so without going into much detail, Mike and the rest of us had serious differences of opinions. Mike did formally resign from the band, and he has since been replaced with Dave Culross who had played and recorded on "Despise The Sun".

HitKiller.com: There is Bill Robinson [DECREPIT BIRTH vocalist] and Dave Culross to fill the vacant spaces within your lineup during the Eastern leg of the tour. Why did you choose these guys? Was it difficult anyhow to persuade them to come with you ('cause you know there might be kind of negative reaction from the fans who think SUFFO is impossible without Frank [Mullen, vocals] and Mike)? And how much time do you think they'll need to learn the songs? Do you think they can become SUFFOCATION regular members in future (Dave once again in his life)?

Answer: Dave is a permanent member now. Bill is just filling in for Frank on this run only due to the fact that Frank has responsibilities to his job and family. However, Frank will be performing at Neurotic Deathfest with us. As the saying goes, the show must go on for our fans and we will not disappoint! We would like to thank Bill for performing with us on this run to come. But other then that, nothing has changed.

HitKiller.com: How do you see the future of the band? What variant do you think is most possible: 1) The band splits up once again; 2) you're solving the conflict and get all together back; 3) SUFFOCATION continues with the new lineup. What are you going do after this difficult tour is over?

Answer: For all the people who think the band is splitting up, it's NOT, except for the one change we already mentioned above. As far as our next move, the new CD is in the pre-production stage and it kills! We would say some of the best material to date. The band right now as a whole can't wait to get this out to our fans.

HitKiller.com: What will probably happen with the album you've been working on lately? As far as I know a lot of stuff is recorded already and... Will it actually be out?

Answer: Yes, it is scheduled to be released on Nuclear Blast in the fall of 2012.

Video footage of SUFFOCATION's February 25 performance at the 11th edition of the Manitoba Metalfest at The Zoo in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada can be seen below (courtesy of Dylan Baillie of Nascency Productions).