Earlier this year, Norwegian bashers Susperia announced they were parting ways with vocalist Athera (Pål Mathiesen). It is an amicable split and he will play his last show with the band on October 3rd at the Trondheim Metal Fest in Trondheim, Norway. The band has now checked in with the following update:

"Finally, we are ready to reveal who the new singer of Susperia is! It is no other than the great Bernt Fjellestad from Guardians Of Time! We have known Bernt for a long time and he has stepped in as a vocalist for Susperia on several occasions over the last years. We know that this talented singer and good friend will fit perfectly in the Susperia family, and we will now let you listen to a few snippets from the pre-production of our new album. Hope you like it!"

Athera announced his departure back in May, issuing the following statement:

"Ladies and gentlemen, I bid you farewell. At least for a good while. Considering my health situation and lack of progress contributing anything to my beloved band the last few years I have decided to pull myself out of the mix and let the guys continue on without me. We remain the best of friends and this is not a breakup due to any bad circumstances. It's simply me realizing I cannot deliver what you as fans and the band expects of me anymore. And I do not want to hold this brilliant band back anymore. They deserve better and you guys deserve to hear more new music. It is with regret and sadness I now do this, but trust me, it is the best for all parties involved. 

I am left with a strange feeling. Susperia has been with me for almost half my life and it is my family. So this hurts. But for me staying in the band any further would hurt you guys and the band even more. I don't know what will happen in the future, if they will get a new inspired vocalist or if Memnock will do the vocals (I vote YEAH!!) But something good will come of this in the form of a new album, or maybe even two! Maybe I'll pull the Bruce Dickinson/Rob Halford and make a return one day to the band. But for now I am out guys. I thank you so much for all the support through the years. From the bottom of my broken heart. Sorry we've been away for so long. Susperia will be back. One way or another. All my love and gratefulness."