Susperia may have their roots in Norway’s black metal scene, but it is merely a starting point for a band that describes their music as “extreme metal with melodic twists”. A simple philosophy of “no boundaries” demonstrates that the band have no hesitation in embracing and exploring a variety of musical avenues with ease.The origins of the Oslo based band can be traced back to 1998 when Tjodalv, then occupying the drum seat with Dimmu Borgir, and long time friend Cyrus (Satyricon, Old Man´s Child) got together to share ideas and write songs. This developed rapidly into the foundations of what eventually became the band Susperia.

With the line up complete, Susperia recorded the five-song ‘Illusion of Evil’ demo, which immediately caused a buzz with various record labels. A bidding war ensued with ten labels chasing the bands signature. They eventually opted for Nuclear Blast who would go on to release the bands debut album ‘Predominance’, in March 2001 and the follow up ‘Vindication’ in 2002.

In 2003 the band found a new home at Norwegian label TABU – a division of TUBA Records. The first release for the label was the album ‘Unlimited’, one of the metal genres outstanding albums of 2004. Entering Norway’s ‘Official Album Chart’ at Number 43, further recognition came with a nomination in the 'Metal' category for Norway's respected ‘Alarm’ awards. In the USA, ‘Unlimited’ was the Third most added album at influential CMJ Loud Rock Radio and achieved the Number 3 position on the ‘Crucial Spin Charts”. The video for the song ‘Chemistry’ received regular TV airplay on MTV Headbangers Ball and Havoc TV amongst others. 

September 2005 saw the release of the ‘Devil May Care EP’. Originally intended as a low-key release between albums, it became a surprise hit reaching Number 19 on Norway’s official ‘Hit List’. The band created a piece of music history by becoming the first home grown act in the metal genre to achieve a Top 20 hit in the country.

The bands' fourth studio album was recorded amongst a myriad of internal conflicts, but the band pulled through to release ‘Cut From Stone’ in 2007. It charted at Number 39 on Norway’s ‘Official Album Chart’ and Number 18 on the National Artist Charts. Impact in the USA was immediate, exceeding the performance of previous album ‘Unlimited’, as it became the Number 1 most added album at both CMJ Loud Rock and FMQB Metal Spins radio charts. 

By the start of 2009 the band had switched labels, signing to Candlelight Records. Their label debut ‘Attitude’ is released in May 2009.. It goes back to the bands early days with its melancholic riffing and dark emotional vocals, then moves all the way through to present day, with a perfect blend of everything that Susperia has been and become. Heavyweight contributions from Chuck Billy (Testament) and Shagrath (Dimmu Borgir) adds the final flourish to Susperia’s most accomplished album to date.

A powerful live act, the band has consistently remained focused on the live arena. With numerous high profile supports to bands including W.A.S.P., In Flames and Dimmu Borgir as well as headline and festival appearances, one of the band’s most cherished experiences thus far remains the invitation to be the main support to the newly reformed Testament in late 2005. 
 

Ten years and still the same line up, shows a strong bond and the bands long term commitment to their music. Despite their ups and downs SUSPERIA have always managed to pull through whatever has been thrown at them. Never more so has the bands inner strength been tested than following the recent heart attack suffered by vocalist Athera, which resulted in a successful quadruple by pass operation. If ever the phrase band of brothers was apt then SUSPERIA fit the bill.