Tristania have announced the addition of Italian singer Mariangela "Mary" Demurtas to the group's ranks.
Commented Tristania in a statement: "(Demurtas possesses) a voice and talent that will not only complement the bands music, but give it an entirely new dimension. She is sure to usher in a new age of Tristania.
Mariangela Demurtas , aged 25, from the island of Sardinia, Italy, is the singer Tristania was looking, but did not dare hope, for.
"The band was focusing on voice and talent when they went out looking for a new singer half a year ago. After a thorough search and many audtions, little did they know they would get all that, and more, in the form of Mary.
"She's all about music — and metal to the bone. She has performed with several Italian bands, before finally joining up with Tristania.She lists her musical influences to include Janis Joplin, Diamanda Galas, Lisa DalBello, Lauryn Hill, Skin and Chris Cornell.
"An educated linguist, she has already moved to Norway and settled in Tristania's home town of Stavanger. Although this is not her first time living abroad (she studied for a year in the Dominican Republic at the age of 16), it's living proof of the dedication she brings to Tristania.
"Mary brings a whole new dimension to the old as well as the new Tristania material. She is also a creative force, and the band will certainly find itself with yet another bright head when they work on new material.
"She brings temperament and aggressiveness to the stage, sure to complement Østen nicely. She has experience from the theatre, in addition to having been in sports since she was but a child, both aspects which will surely add character to her stage persona.
"Mary has arrived — and she cannot wait to meet the fans on tour."
(Check out the Myspace Page for new video footage of Mary )
(All pics © Diego Maniscalco @ www.unspire.com)