CANDLELIGHT RECORDS UPDATE

Out Now: BLOOD TSUNAMI, HAVOK and SUSPERIA
Coming Soon: GLORIOR BELLI, 1349, OBITUARY and ANAAL NATHRAKH
Plus: CIII Tour Update

BLOOD TSUNAMI - Grand Feast For Vultures
Release Date: May 5, 2009
“BLOOD TSUNAMI kicks serious ass the same way vintage Kreator, Destruction and Testament,” said Decibel Magazine in review of BLOOD TSUNAMI’s highly acclaimed 2007 debut, Thrash Metal. Now returning with seven blistering new songs the Norwegian metallers, featuring among their ranks former Emperor drummer Bard “Faust” Eithun, have crafted even faster, darker and heavier titan tunes that really capture the essence of the thrash genre fans both old and new know and love.
Formed in 2004, BLOOD TSUNAMI is an instant adrenalin shot of classic thrash. Reviving the long cherished vibe of both German and Bay Area scenes, the band bring a new modern approach to the fan favored genre. Two sparingly circulated demos is all it took before the band found themselves a growing fanbase, solid reputation and ultimately a deal with Nocturnal Art Productions (the label owned/operated by Emperor/Zyklon guitarist Samoth). Kerrang calls the band’s wicked metal mixture, “unstoppable pedal-to-the-metal old school thrash metal mayhem.”
Recorded at Lion Heart Studios in Oslo, Grand Feast for Vultures was produced in cooperation by the band and Oyvind Larsen. Album packaging was rendered by Alex Horley.
"Thrash Metal offers a series of threatening savageries that capture the all-out feel and sound of the era well but with a diversity and strength that lifts them up and away from the reinventing-the-wheel crowd. If only St. Anger could have come close to this.” – Terrorizer

“Quite frankly there's no reason to go anywhere else for your thrash fix.” - Metal Hammer

“With classic metal cover art and a title that even spells it out for you, Blood Tsunami satisfies fans of the thrash-tastic.” - MP3.com
http://www.myspace.com/bloodtsunami

HAVOK - Burn
Release Date: May 19, 2009
Thrash metal has seen a noted return to popularity over the last few years. Be it via reformations of tried-and-true artists like Testament, Exodus, and Death Angel, or the rise of a whole new crop of bands, the genre has successfully found renewed consumer focus. For Denver-based HAVOK, the release of their debut, Burn, is a celebration of years of hard work and dedication. Recorded in late 2008, Burn features 12 savage tracks that showcase the young band’s technical precision and musical creativity. Featuring artwork by upcoming illustrator Halsey Swain, Burn is a solid start for a promising band.
HAVOK -- vocalist/guitarist David Sanchez, guitarist Shawn Chavez, drummer Ryan Bloom and bassist Jesse de Los Santos -- have been impressing their growing fanbase since their formation in 2004. Via two independent recordings, PWN ‘Em All and Murder By Metal, both quickly selling out , the band have reached audiences far outside their regional borders. Sanchez says of the band’s signing, “this is the break we’ve been working toward and now that it’s finally here, we’re more than ready to make the most of it. We are both psyched and humbled to be a part of the Candlelight roster.”
"HAVOK lays it down old-school heavy like a sharp stick in the eye." - Gene Hoglan, Strapping Young Lad/Dethklok/Dark Angel/Testament etc.
http://www.myspace.com/havok

SUSPERIA - Attitude
Release Date: May 19, 2009
Passion has long been at the core of Norway’s SUSPERIA . Battling their way through obstacles that would crush lesser humans, their journey bears a musical heart that has year-after-year delivered onto their loyal and growing fanbase quality music that strikes with not only power but shines with their unique sense of melody. Attitude, the band’s latest album, again finds the band making unparalleled strides. With a new label and even stronger focus, the band hopes to reach a new level of success.
Formed in 1998 by drummer Tjodalv (then of Dimmu Borgir) and guitarist Cyrus (then of Satyricon/Old Man’s Child), SUSPERIA released their debut, Predominance, in 2001. The much-acclaimed Vindication followed in 2003 and after signing with Norwegian indie label Tabu in 2004, the band quickly unveiled third album, Unlimited. Brave Words Bloody Knuckles called the album, “a scorcher from start to finish, on par with Testament classic The Gathering.”
Commenting on the new album, vocalist Athera recently noted, “ten years and still the same five guys. We have worked nearly two years on this material, perfecting it for your pleasure and our devoted fans. It will take you back to the early days with melancholic riffing and dark emotional vocals. It’s a perfect blend of everything SUSPERIA has been and become.” Recorded at various studios during the later part of 2008, Attitude was mixed by Fredrik Nordstrom (In Flames, Meshuggah).
http://www.susperia.net
http://www.myspace.com/susperiafans

GLORIOR BELLI - Meet Us at the Southern Sign
Release Date: June 2, 2009
Metal Kult calls the music of France's GLORIOR BELLI "as darkly beautiful as it is gloom inducing." With their new album (first for Candlelight), Meet Us at the Southern Sign, the band look to build upon their already growing stateside fanbase. Their album finds release as the band embarks on their first American tour alongside labelmates Absu and Sothis. It will be their most extensive tour since their formation a an adventure they are looking forward to.
Dating to 2002, Paris-based GLORIOR BELLI unveiled their first recordings in mid-2005. The album, Lavdate Dominvs, saw very little US distribution but it found the attention of inquisitive listeners. So much so that when their first proper stateside introduction came in 2007 (Manifesting the Raging Beast, Southern Lord), the band found a solid base in which to comfortably nestle their unique take on black metal. Fans are already anticipating MUATSS and with due merit.
http://gloriorbelli.luxferous.com
http://www.myspace.com/gloriorbelli

1349 - Revelations of the Black Flame
Release Date: June 2, 2009
If ever there was a band to truly turn heads, Norway’s 1349 are more than up for the challenge. Since their inception, the band has not only shocked but impressed music fans with their theatric image, blistering speed and over-the-top ferocity. Their live shows have become legend as their rapidly growing fanbase and acclaim mounts. Now with album number four, the quartet once again go for the jugular but this time round with a twist. The intensity shifts revealing a sound of days past but with a modern and, of course, always sinister soul. Decibel Magazine once boldly said, "almost every corpse-paint commando in Scandinavia might as well pack up their shit and go home while they can." May we now lead you to door?
From their beginnings 1349 have been touted as a band to watch. All Music Guide called them, "a band ripe with promise," in a review of debut, Liberation. The band, featuring always outspoken vocalist Ravn, guitarist Archaron with bassist Seidemann and studio drummer Frost (Satyricon), quickly took the metal world by storm and have not let go since. Committed to the stage, 1349 have been to the US five times in the last two years and plan to return again leaving no city untouched by their musical madness.
“Without question an incineration of the highest order” - Metal Maniacs
“1349 certainly has the ferocious chops to back up their northern pedigree.” - Sounds of Death
http://www.legion1349.com/
http://www.myspace.com/1349official

OBITUARY - Darkest Day
Release Date: June 30, 2009
When OBITUARY announced plans to record a new album in early 2007, the metal world stood up and applauded. One of death metal’s crown jewels was returning and fans couldn't have been more enthused. The album, Xecutioner’s Return, delivered the goods as only OBITUARY could. Now, two years later, the band returns with eighth full-length Darkest Day. Signature in every way, the record proves the band gets even better with age.
OBITUARY's core of brothers -- John Tardy (vocals) and Donald Tardy (drums) -- with guitarist Trevor Peres came together in 1984 forming what would become one of death metal's most successful and internationally respected bands. OBITUARY 2009 -- the Tardy brothers, Peres, guitarist Ralph Santolla and bassist Frank Watkins -- remains unwaveringly brutal. Said John Tardy about new CD Darkest Day, "It came out really sick and I cannot wait for you guys to hear it... it is heavy!" Added guitarist Ralph Santolla, "The new stuff is heavy, some of my favorite OBI riffs yet. Trevor's guitar sounds huge and menacing. If you like OBITUARY, you're gonna love this record."
The band once again worked with artist Andreas Marschall, who created the art for The End Complete, Frozen In Time, and the group's last record, Xecutioner's Return.
http://www.obituary.cc
http://www.myspace.com/obituary

ANAAL NATHRAKH - In The Constellation Of The Black Widow
Release Date: July 14, 2009
Based in Birmingham, ANAAL NATHRAKH formed in 1998. The band fuse traditional black metal with elements of industrial, grindcore and early-day death metal resulting in a one-of-a-kind soundscape that has earned them high acclaim from media and fans around the globe. Commenting on the new album, vocalist V.I.T.R.I.O.L. (Mistress, Benediction) reveals, “Constellation is faster, more insidious, more ominous, more musically dextrous and wilder than ever before. The album will feature a curve ball guest appearance from Zeitgeist Memento of Mexican extremists Republika.”
According to the band’s official website, ANAAL NATHRAKH was created for one purpose: To be the soundtrack for Armageddon and the true spirit of necro taken to its musical extremes. The band has collaborated with such legendary figures as Attila Csihar (Mayhem), Shane Embury and Danny Herrera (Napalm Death), Nick Barker (Dimmu Borgir, Cradle Of Filth etc.), Joe Horvath (Circle of Dead Children), Sethlans Teitan (Watain) etc.
http://www.anaal-nathrakh.tk
http://www.myspace.com/anaalnathrakh

CANDLELIGHT'S CIII TOUR UPDATE
ABSU is touring the US for the first time in nearly 8 years! Don't miss it!
Candlelight’s CIII - Absu, Glorior Belli, Rumpelstiltskin Grinder and Sothis

6/6/2009 Jumping Turtle – San Marcos, CA
6/7/2009 House of Blues – W. Hollywood, CA
6/8/2009 Thee Parkside – San Francisco, CA
6/9/2009 Hawthorne Theatre – Portland, OR
6/10/2009 El Corazon – Seattle, WA
6/12/2009 The Underground – Calgary, AB
6/13/2009 The Exchange – Regina, SK
6/14/2009 Royal Albert Arms – Winnipeg, MT
6/15/2009 Station 4 – St. Paul, MN
6/16/2009 The Pearl Room – Mokena, IL
6/17/2009 Peabody’s – Cleveland, OH
6/18/2009 Wreck Room – Toronto, ON
6/19/2009 Petit Campus – Montreal, QC
6/20/2009 Penny Arcade – Rochester, NY
6/21/2009 BB Kings Blues Club – New York, NY
6/22/2009 Jaxx – W. Springfield, VA
6/23/2009 Volume 11 – Raleigh, NC
6/24/2009 The Muse – Nashville, TN
6/25/2009 The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
6/26/2009 The Garage – St. Petersburg, FL
6/27/2009 Culture Room – Ft. Lauderdale FL
6/29/2009 Trees – Dallas, TX

SUSPERIA SINGER UPDATE

SUSPERIA: Singer's Operation A Success Despite Further Complications

Oslo, Norway -- Despite further complications SUSPERIA singer Athera (Pal Mathiesen) successfully underwent open heart surgery on Monday March 16th 2009 at Rikshospitalet University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. Originally scheduled to have a triple bypass operation, surgeons discovered further problems which resulted in the vocalist also having a main artery - which previously ran to his lungs -connected directly to his heart. Athera will remain in hospital to recuperate and has been advised by doctors that full recovery will take between three and five months.

Still in some agony from his ordeal and in reflective mood, Athera said: "Wow - Well what happened there?! It looks like this time my name wasn't on the guest list at the pearly gates or the other place down below. I got through the surgery and I'm now back in the regional hospital after five days at the specialist heart clinic. Here in my hospital bed I'm contemplating the enormity of what happened - the what ifs and the what might have been. I'm in agony but the strong medication helps. It was a heavy operation having my body parts re-arranged - If a musician ever needed a "TUNE UP," I hope this was it. There are some tough times ahead but I will get there in the end."

Commenting further on the messages of support and with an eye on the future he added: "I'm truly amazed at people's humanity at times like this, with all the goodwill messages I've been getting from friends and strangers. Once again the metal community comes through with flying colors, putting their prejudices aside to come together as one. Respect to those who took the time to send messages of support. It's heart-warming to get messages from metalheads who don't have the time of day for my band yet still find the time to send a message.You all helped me get through this, and strengthened my metal heart! .I will be out of the game for a while till my chest bones completely heal and I can sing fully again. I wish my boys a good trip round the UK in May on the tour, and am confident they will bring along a singer that will make the show worth while for you. I wish I could be there, "

As previously reported, SUSPERIA have confirmed the postponement of Norwegian dates, which were set for April 09. Their UK tour in May with Breed 77 will go ahead at the insistence of Athera himself, having urged the band not to let their UK fans down and to look at finding a replacement vocalist.

The release of SUSPERIA's next studio album is set for early summer as planned, through Candlelight Records. Full details will be announced shortly.

http://www.susperia.net
http://www.myspace.com/susperiafans
http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com

WE'RE ALL HOPING FOR THE BEST...

SUSPERIA VOCALIST TO UNDERGO OPEN HEART SURGERY

OSLO, NORWAY: SUSPERIA vocalist Athera (Pal Mathieson) remains under close observation at Akershus Universitetssykehus Hospital in Lørenskog, Norway following his heart attack last week. The singer has been diagnosed with a previously undetected genetic disorder that will require the replacement of three narrowed arteries and three heart valves. He will undergo a triple heart by-pass operation through open heart surgery on Monday March 16th 2009. Meanwhile the singer is being kept on heavy doses of medication to keep his blood thin and his heart rate down.

Though in a serious, but stable condition, a highly spirited and medicated Athera speaking from his hospital bed sent the following message: "Hey everyone out there in the metal universe - friends and strangers. Thanks for all your messages of support. I'm lying here in the hospital reading them all and it's really nice to see that so many of you have taken the time to send them. It's overwhelming. I've had a big shock and it's not something I would want anyone to experience. You know, I always wanted to hit the headlines - but not in this way! Looks like the SUSPERIA curse has hit again, a new album and tour on the way and one of us complicates it all. But damn it, we will never let anything stop us - ever! Even if death itself comes knocking and believe me it did. I am undergoing open heart surgery this Monday to replace some broken valves and veins, and then this metal heart will beat once again. The Doc(tor) says I'll be back stronger than ever. I will have to spend a long time in the hospital, but it's not that bad. You should see the nurses taking care of me. Could be worse. Looking forward to getting back up and on the road again. Sorry for the shows that I'm not going to be able to do. I will make it up to you guys. You all make me stronger, I am truly grateful."

Future plans for SUSPERIA remain mixed. However the band have confirmed the postponement of Norwegian dates, which were set for April 09. Their UK tour in May with Breed 77 will go ahead at the insistence of Athera himself. He has urged the band not to let their UK fans down and to look at finding a replacement vocalist.

The release of SUSPERIA's next studio album is still set for early summer as planned, through the band's new label Candlelight Records. Full details will be announced shortly.

www.susperia.net
www.myspace.com/susperiafans
www.candlelightrecordsusa.com

WITCH!!!

SUSPERIA VOCALIST SUFFERS HEART ATTACK


OSLO, NORWAY -- Athera ( Pal Mathieson) , vocalist with Norwegian band SUSPERIA, was rushed to Akershus Universitetssykehus Hospital in Lørenskog, Norway on the morning of March 9th suffering from acute stomach pains and heavy bleeding. Initial tests revealed that the singer had suffered a heart attack caused by a damaged blood vessel. Athera is currently in the intensive care unit under close observation, while further tests are carried out. He is expected to remain hospitalised for the foreseeable future. At this moment future plans including touring commitments remain unchanged, until a full diagnosis of his condition has been confirmed.

Athera recently completed vocals on SUSPERIA's fifh studio album, which is due for an early summer release through the bands new label Candlelight Records.The band worked continuously throughout 2008 on the album which Athera described as "going back to the early days with the melancholic riffing and dark emotional vocals and coming all the way through to today, with a perfect blend of everything Susperia has been and become."

Everyone involved with the band wishes Athera a fast and speedy recovery.

www.susperia.net
www.myspace.com/susperiafans
www.candlelightrecordsusa.com

NO RELATION TO THE FILM (HECK, THE SPELLING IS DIFFERENT!).

Candlelight signs Susperia

Candlelight today confirms the worldwide signing of Norway's Susperia. Currently finishing work on their fifth album, the band recently announced a string of early spring UK dates that will kick off what is expected to be a busy year for the popular Norwegian metal band. "Ten years and still the same five guys," exclaims vocalist Athera of the band's long commitment to their music. "We have worked nearly two years on this material, perfecting it for your pleasure and our devoted fans. It will take you back to the early days with melancholic riffing and dark emotional vocals. It's a perfect blend of everything Susperia has been and become."

"A blend of thrash metal drawing on influences that include Sepultura, Anthrax, and Testament," says Allmusic.com of Susperia's now highly regarded sound. The popular music portal continues its early 2005 review noting "their songs are melodic yet intense and forceful, and shredding guitars are the rule." Formed in 1998 by drummer Tjodalv (then of Dimmu Borgir) and guitarist Cyrus (then of Satyricon/Old Man’s Child), the band released their debut, Predominance, via Nuclear Blast in 2001. The band's much-acclaimed second album, Vindication, followed in 2003. Signing with Norwegian-based Tabu Records (with release in the US via Candlelight Records) in 2004, the band released their third album, Unlimited, later that year. Brave Words Bloody Knuckles called the album, "a scorcher from start to finish, on par with Testament classic The Gathering."

A powerful live act, the band has consistently remained focused to the live arena. With numerous high profile support, headline and festival appearances, one of the band's most cherished experiences thus far remains supporting the newly reformed Testament in late 2005. The dates would culminate in the release of the band's Norwegian charting mini-album Devil May Care. Work on their fourth album, Cut From Stone, would see out the end of the year. Unfortunately due to financial constraints two tries to visit the US to support the Daniel Bergstrand-produced album during 2007/08 would set back the album’s overall sales target but the band remained committed. Touring Europe, including numerous dates with W.A.S.P, the band's ambitions stayed and continue to remain in tact. "We now have the backing of one label worldwide and this is going to make life easier for us," says bassist Memnock. "We hope that finally we get to play to our American fans."

Susperia's still untitled label debut is expected for release early summer. Recorded in Norway it was mixed at Studio Fredman in Sweden. Susperia currently includes guitarists Cyrus and Elvorn, bassist Memnock, with drummer Tjodalv and vocalist Athera.

For more information contact Dave Brenner (earsplitpr@aol.com) or Paula Hogan (paula@candlelightrecordsusa.com).
European media contact Darren Toms (d.toms@plastichead.com).

http://www.susperia.net
http://www.myspace.com/susperiafans
http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com
http://www.myspace.com/candlelightusa