SUFFOCATION To Be Inducted Into The Long Island Hall Of Fame!

SUFFOCATION are finally getting the recognition they deserve! 

"I have to say congrats to all our fans! SUFFOCATION is now being inducted into the long island music hall of fame ..thank you all for the amazing support!" - Derek Boyer

The Long Island Music Hall of Fame have announced a partial list of its fourth class of inductees. Here is the list of inductees:

- Taylor Dayne
- Zebra
- Suffocation
- The Lovin' Spoonfuls
- Barnaby Bye

These above mentioned musicians will be at the Paramount on October 18th for a star-studded evening to honor Long Island's rich musical history. Dee Snider will also be in attendance to receive the Harry Chapin Award.

As previously reported, the extreme Metallers have announced that are hard at work on their seventh studio album, which is slated for a summer release via Nuclear Blast Records.
"We're in the pre-production stage [and are] currently working on final arrangements, lyrical placement and content. "Each album is an evolution process. As always, we take the key elements that are Suffocation, add current feelings and outside influences, then begin collaborating. We're very happy with the direction we're headed!"

Related links:
Suffocation's Official Site

Former SUFFOCATION Drummer Mike Smith Talks About His Decision Of Quitting The Band!

Last month, it was announced that SUFFOCATION was parting ways with Mike Smith, who is not only one of the founding members of the band, but also their legendary drummer. Ever since then, the Heavy Music world has been wondering what happened. Thankfully, Noel Smart of Sick Drummer Magazine.com sat down with Mike Smith and asked him about his decision of leaving SUFFOCATION. Here are some excerpts of the chat.

SickDrummerMagazine.com: Why did you decide to step down from the drum throne of SUFFOCATION?

Mike: The decision was pretty much inevitable. When we first reunited, the economy was in a much different place, and I was able to make SUFFOCATION my full-time job. Over the last few years, the ability to tour and support a house, family and all it entails became a strain on myself and my family. Once you reach a certain point financially, decisions have to be made before falling to a point of no return.

SickDrummerMagazine.com: Are you happy with your replacement in SUFFOCATION being Dave Culross?

Mike: My position in SUFFOCATION isn't as simple as mounting a drum throne. The position I held within the band as president, founder, manager, songwriter, spokesperson, and all else pertaining to the working business of the band can never be replaced. Anyone drumming for the group now is just enjoying a moment in time, on me.

SickDrummerMagazine.com: Do you think the new drummer of SUFFOCATION is going to have a difficult time getting down the material from "Souls To Deny", "Blood Oath" and the SUFFOCATION self-titled release?

Mike: The NEW drummer won't have a hard time, because the hired guitarists can't play the songs, so he will have nothing to worry about. Whatever songs are played will be the same ones we've been playing for the last 1000 shows or so. Forcing the crew to learn and practice all the SUFFO songs was a battle that later became not worth fighting for. You're only as strong as the weak links in a band.

SickDrummerMagazine.com: Is there any bad blood between you and any of the members of SUFFOCATION?

Mike: There are only two members that I need to consider grudges with concerning SUFFOCATION. I only direct my concerns with founding stake-holding members. The respect that the brand gained and deserves was always a sour issue. In my opinion, it was always a simple concept to respect and protect the brand/band you created. No exceptions. Anyone who knows the dynamics of the band and the individual members already have a realistic understanding of why things could turn for the worst at any moment.

Click here to read the rest of the interview!

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

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