Now into the seventh week of their epic European tour, Brazilian thrash titans Claustrofobia took the gas off for a brief moment to give us an update on how the tour has been so far after a legendary performance at Portugal’s SWR Barroselas Metalfest last weekend.

Alongside the blistering live shows and scores of fans joining their ranks, the band also faced difficulties when drummer Caio D’Angelo, brother of frontman Marcus, was unable to carry on due to illness, being replaced on some shows by the band’s tour manager, drummer of Andralls and long time friend Xandão.

"Certainly, the performance in SWR Barroselas Fest was one of the highlights of this tour!”, comments Vocalist Marcus D’Angelo. “The show was amazing, the crowd was insane and was a great pleasure to play for the lovely Portuguese people.”

“Despite the difficult situation, we had the great fortune of Caio being diagnosed and treated in Germany, where health is 100%. He is better every day and in good hands. He is however, forbidden to play drums because home rest is crucial in his recovery. Luckily, our tour manager is Xandão, Andralls’ drummer. He has replaced my beloved brother in the last few shows and ended up learning our last minute songs by ear. Xandão is a brave guy and we are very grateful for what he has done to help us and keep this tour alive.

"We made some adjustments in the compositions and the show at SWR Barroselas Fest has become something historic for us; the emotional factor, the receptivity of the public and also for the brilliant organization of the event. I played with all my strength, determination and dedicated the show to Caio. In spite of everything, we will meet all commitments! The mission continues and strengthening is imminent! I would like to especially thank the band Imminent Attack who helped to reorganize the logistics. "

Drummer Caio D'Angelo added: “Certainly none of us expected the news and the doctors gave me no alternative, but we were not leaving the tour. I wanted to maintain my part in the shows however, my recovery must be the priority. I thank all my family, friends, producers, public, partners and the band Imminent Attack, who understood the situation. I feel honoured to have Xandão replacing me on this tour. In addition to him being a great long-time friend, there was no one better to attack the drum kit! Thank you all!! Soon I will be back with full force. "

As the band are coming to the end of this tour leg, attention will soon be turned to their upcoming, as of yet untitled album, which is tentatively set for an end of 2015 release. The album, recorded with renowned producer Russ Russell at the helm (Parlour Studios UK), will demonstrate a different direction for the band all the while harnessing the passion and bulldozing driving force that has made them household names in the Brazilian thrash metal scene for the past twenty years.

Tour dates:

May

13 - W.I.P – Terranova, Italy
14 - Lo-Fi - Milan, Italy
15 - Come Inn - Renchen, Germany
16 - Express Pub – Shinsheim, Germany
22 - Motor Rock Pub – Slupsk, Poland
23 - Alter Ego Club – Szczecin, Poland
24 - Wydzial Remontowy – Gdańsk, Poland