This past year marked a major change in lineup for Suffocation. That’s why fans were concerned when singer Frank Mullen revealed that he won’t be touring with the group on a full time basis. Could this mean Mullen was also permanently leaving Suffocation? Well fans have no need to worry because even though Mullen might not be touring as often, he is still in Suffocation.

Mullen released the following statement clarifying his status in Suffocation:

“I am not leaving Suffocation. Massive one month long touring on my side cannot be done anymore though. When the new album is released next year I will be touring as much as possible to support the album as well as the following year in 2014.

When I was asked that question in the interview I was taken off guard and didn’t really know what my schedule was going to look like next year and wanted to try and answer. I haven’t given much thought to what our touring schedule would look like since we’ve been in the studio recording the new release.

So I’m going to be getting out there as much as I can to support the album and get out there in front of the ones who have supported Suffocation over the years, the true fans. So we are going to be supporting this record as soon as it comes out.”

Mullen’s bandmates had the following to add in a joint statement:

“We have respected this decision that Frank has made, but by no means does this mean Suffocation will ‘replace’ him with new singer or stop touring. Death metal has been good to us, and we feel fortunate with the success we have achieved. For shows or tours he can’t be a part of there will be a well-respected, talented, fill in singer, so we as a band can continue to prosper and bring Suffocation to the fans.

Bill Robinson (Decrepit Birth) is a good friend of ours and came through during the European tours when Frank was unable to make the shows, but he was just filling in those two times. The fill-in singer will be announced soon, and we promise that our fans will not be let down. We have been fortunate to make a great living playing music, and are willing to continue to give our fans what they want.”

So on the downside, this does confirm that many fans might not get the chance to see Suffocation with Mullen live. On the plus side, Mullen will still be heard on Suffocation’s new album Pinnacle Of Bedlam (due out sometime next year), he’s still technically in the band, and many fans may get to see Suffocation live with some killer guest vocalists. We’ll just have to wait to find out who they’ll get to fill-in for Mullen onstage.