SUFFOCATION Parts Ways With Drummer Mike Smith - Permanent Replacement Announced!

Death Metal legends SUFFOCATION, have announced that they have parted ways with drummer Mike Smith. Smith was one of the original members of the band! Here is what the remaining members of SUFFOCATION had to say about the departure of their drummer:

"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 (Malevolent Creation) who had played and recorded on 'Despite the Sun.'

"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."

This is what Mike Smith had to say about parting ways with SUFFOCATION:

"There are not many things related to the SUFFOCATION brand I can honestly say brings me sadness. Except, the lack of pride that exists within those who have the "right" to claim the name as their own.

"This battle has been one that to any focused being, should make obvious sense but has evaded some for 2 decades. Within any foundation the weakest link will always cause all structure to crumble.

"The one fact that keeps me at peace is the fact that anyone who has ever seen or spoken to me regarding SUFFOCATION and the industry as a whole, has always left with an understanding of the level of focus and pride that I personally hold for myself, the brand that is SUFFOCATION and the genre we influence and helped create.

"As I've always said, if you are willing to put your time and soul towards anything at all as I've done within the Metal community.

"Be willing to speak truths, fight and bleed for it if need be. Or take your earned position in the back and wait while others do it for you."

We wish Smith the best of luck, and we'd like to welcome Dave Culross to SUFFOCATION! Stay tuned for more information regarding the NEW SUFFOCATION album, which is due this fall via Nuclear Blast Records!

Last summer, we had the chance to speak with Mike Smith about the future of the band. Here is what he had to say at the time:



Related links:
Suffocation's Official Site