Tampa, Florida's THE ABSENCE has announced the addition of guitarist Per Nilsson (SCAR SYMMETRY) to the group's ranks. The band has entered the studio with guitarist-turned-producer James Murphy (TESTAMENT, DEATH, OBITUARY) to begin recording a new EP and will release a single from these sessions soon.

Commented Per: "Six years ago, [THE ABSENCE] guys asked me to do a guest solo for the 'Riders' album and we've been friends ever since. I've followed their career as a fan and when they reached out asking me to join the band, it was a no-brainer.

"I am super excited to be a part of THE ABSENCE family. We've been jamming out some new tunes and I feel like we've got some killer stuff in the works for ya! Between Patrick and me, there's gonna be some INSANE guitar-shreddin' on the new tunes!"

THE ABSENCE 2013 is:

Jamie Stewart: Vocals
Patrick Pintavalle: Guitar
Per Nilsson: Guitar
Jeramie Kling: Drums
Mike Leon: Bass

THE ABSENCE's third album, "Enemy Unbound", sold around 800 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 55 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

"Enemy Unbound" was released on September 14, 2010 via Metal Blade Records. The CD was once again recorded at the Erik Rutan-owned Mana Recording Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida in November 2009, with Brian Elliott engineering and Peter Joseph and Patrick Pintavalle producing. Going along with the saying "If it's not broke, don't fix it," the band tapped Jonas Kjellgren (SCAR SYMMETRY, CARNAL FORGE) of Black Lounge Studios in Sweden to handle both mixing and mastering on "Enemy Unbound". Guest musicians on the CD include Tom Englund of EVERGREY and Andy Wood.