Raw. Intimate. Unfiltered. Bloodrunner return with a release that proves thrash metal doesn’t need distortion to hit hard.

A New Chapter, Fully Exposed 🔥
Chicago thrashers BLOODRUNNER are back — but not the way you expect. With the release of Unplugged Live At WZRD, the long-running Midwest metal force peels back the amps, distortion, and aggression to reveal the beating heart beneath their catalog.

“This album represents a new chapter for Bloodrunner: stripped down, intimate and real,” explains founder, vocalist, and guitarist Neal Rodriguez. And that honesty is felt in every note.

Recorded during the summer of 2025 at Northeastern University’s legendary radio station WZRD, the live session captures Bloodrunner in a raw acoustic setting while simultaneously introducing a new lineup — a bold move for a band that has never been afraid of reinvention.

Thrash Roots, Reinvented ⚡
Formed in 2004 by Neal Rodriguez, Bloodrunner have been a persistent force in the Chicago metal underground for over two decades. From their debut full-length Total Annihilation (2007, remastered and reissued in 2025) to the self-titled EP released in 2023, the band has continually evolved while staying true to their thrash foundation.

Now joined by Tito (bass) and Jeff (drums), Bloodrunner reimagine their songs in an unplugged format — proving that powerful songwriting and emotional weight don’t rely on volume alone. The absence of distortion doesn’t soften the impact; instead, it sharpens it.

“These songs have always had a heart,” Neal shares. “Playing them unplugged lets that shine through in a new way. It’s exciting to share this chapter with our fans.”

Survival, Reinvention, and Relentless Drive 🖤
Bloodrunner’s history is one of persistence. Lineup changes, industry shifts, and long gaps between releases never stopped the project from moving forward. After periods of activity with other bands — including The Upsets — Neal reactivated Bloodrunner in 2020, releasing new material despite setbacks and continued lineup changes.

By 2024, the vision became clear: revisit the past through a new lens. That vision led directly to the unplugged era, with Unplugged Live At WZRD serving as both a statement and a bridge toward the upcoming Bloodrunner Unplugged EP, scheduled for CD release in 2026.

This isn’t nostalgia. It’s survival through reinvention.

🎶 Listen Now:

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