In August it was revealed that Maria "Tristessa" Kolokouri, leader of Athens-based all-female black metal band, Astarte, had lost her battle against leukemia that she was suffering from since late last year.

Maria's husband Nick and son Antonios have issued the following statement: "Maria she's left from this world. You are leaving a lot behind and my soul is in pain.You are a special person. You are my wife. I will always adore you, our son and everybody that they love. I will always honour you and you will never be forgotten. Until we meet again my love, I will will kiss you from inside of my soul."

 

 

 Astarte have now issued the following update: "Tristessa’s voice will be heard again and more loud and brutal than ever! The mixing process and the mastering of Astarte’s last opus, Blackdemonium, will be done by Steve Lado - an excellent professional producer and close friend of Maria. The result will be more powerfull than ever."

Additional work on drums will take place at Made In Hell Studio. The cover art is created by Maggot Meister, known from his work with 1349, Amon Amarth, Children Of Bodom, and more.

The lineup for Blackdemonium is:

Tristessa (Maria Kolokouri) - vocals

Nicolas S.I.C. Maiis - vox

Jim Harisis - guitars/bass

Ice(Nicolas Asimakis) - drums

The band continue: "Tristessa will always live in our hearts through her music - ASTARTE AND BLACK METAL IS THE WAY."

Maria "Tristessa" Kolokouri, appeared on the following Astarte albums:

Doomed Dark Years - 1998

Rise from Within - 2000

Quod Superius, Sicut Inferius - 2002

Sirens - 2004

Demonized - 2007

Dimmu Borgir frontman Shagrath issued the following: "Sad news, my friend Maria Tristessa from Astarte has passed to the next world. Best wishes on your soulside journey. It was an honour to work with you. This is a song we did together many years ago in Greece."