Amanda Somerville, the American singer-songwriter known for her work with Avantasia, Epica, Kamelot, Kiske/Somerville, Trillium and Exit Eden, has been diagnosed with a malignant and aggressive brain tumor, her husband, After Forever co-founder and guitarist Sander Gommans, confirmed on September 19.
Gommans disclosed the diagnosis through social media, explaining that the family is facing an extraordinarily difficult period. He described Somerville as the “love of my life” and noted that the couple have three daughters.
“We're shocked, devastated and I can't describe the challenges we're facing as a family right now.”
Gommans thanked family and friends for the support they have already received and asked fans to keep Amanda and their children in their thoughts. He also said his message could be shared as long as it was done respectfully.
"Amanda nos da tanto a todos: amor, música, amistad, fuerza… es hora de enviarle esperanza y poder”, expresó.
At this point, no specific tumor type, treatment plan, prognosis or further medical details have been publicly disclosed.
The diagnosis was announced only four days after After Forever canceled its entire 2026 Latin American tour, which had been scheduled for October.
A September 15 statement issued by After Forever and Top Link Music attributed the cancellation only to “force majeure circumstances” beyond the control of the band and promoters. No further explanation was provided at the time.
The tour had included dates in São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Santiago and Bogotá, although Buenos Aires had already been canceled separately. Sander Gommans was due to perform as part of the reunited After Forever lineup.
Somerville moved to Europe in 1999 and built much of her career in Germany and the Netherlands, working with figures including Sascha Paeth and Miro. Her credits include the rock opera Aina: Days of Rising Doom, Avantasia, and Kamelot's Ghost Opera.
Her career path eventually connected her with several of the most important groups in that scene. She participated in the rock opera *Aina: Days of Rising Doom*, collaborated with Avantasia, and appeared on works by Kamelot, including 2007's *Ghost Opera*.
In 2008, she temporarily stepped in for Simone Simons as Epica's lead vocalist during the band's North American tour with Symphony X while Simons dealt with health issues.
Somerville later fronted Trillium, partnered with former Helloween singer Michael Kiske in Kiske/Somerville, and became part of the original Exit Eden lineup.
