Tag Archives: #ThrashMetal

CHICAGO THRASH VETERANS BLOODRUNNER STRIP IT ALL BACK WITH “UNPLUGGED LIVE AT WZRD”


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:

Deep Dive into the Universe of Bloodrunner 🌐
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💥 CAVALERA IGNITE FALL TOUR WITH FULL PERFORMANCE OF CHAOS A.D. — TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Witness one of metal’s most iconic albums reborn live — with special guests FEAR FACTORY on select dates!

🔥 CHAOS A.D. LIVE IN FULL THIS FALL Metal legends CAVALERA are gearing up to unleash pure sonic warfare across North America this Fall, performing their groundbreaking 1993 classic CHAOS A.D. in its entirety. The 18-date tour kicks off September 18 at Louder Than Life and storms through cities coast to coast before wrapping October 18 in Dallas, TX. General admission tickets are on sale nowget yours here before they vanish into the mosh pit.

🧠 The Legacy Continues Built on decades of uncompromising aggression, the name CAVALERA remains synonymous with extreme metal royalty. In 2023, Max and Iggor Cavalera defied the odds by resurrecting their earliest works — Morbid Visions and Bestial Devastation — with jaw-breaking re-recordings that channeled the raw intensity of their youth. Their mastery of this sonic time warp set the stage for their next act: breathing new life into CHAOS A.D. — a record still hailed as a defining moment in 90s heavy metal and a Gold-certified masterpiece.

⚔️ Songs That Shaped a Generation Get ready to scream along to anthems like ‘Refuse/Resist,’ ‘Territory,’ ‘Propaganda,’ and ‘Slave New World’ — rallying cries for the outcasts and the defiant. This tour promises not just a performance, but a full resurrection of CHAOS A.D. with all the fire, fury, and force it commanded more than three decades ago.

🤖 Special Guests: FEAR FACTORY Industrial metal pioneers FEAR FACTORY will join select dates — a full-circle reunion, as CAVALERA originally brought them along on the very first Chaos A.D. U.S. tour over 30 years ago. Metal history, reborn.

📅 TOUR DATES — FALL 2025
09/18 – Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life
09/20 – Hershey, PA @ Hershey Park Stadium w/ SLAYER*
09/21 – Liverpool, NY @ Sharkey’s Event Center
09/23 – Norwalk, CT @ District Music Hall
09/25 – Fort Wayne, IN @ Piere’s Entertainment Center
09/26 – Des Moines, IA @ Val Air Ballroom
09/27 – Hammond, IN @ Horseshoe w/ LAMB OF GOD*
09/28 – St. Louis, MO @ Red Flag
10/01 – Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre
10/02 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex
10/05 – Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock Festival*
10/07 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
10/10 – Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
10/11 – Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee
10/12 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
10/16 – Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
10/17 – Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live
10/18 – Dallas, TX @ Ferris Wheelers Backyard & BBQ
*No FEAR FACTORY on these dates

🎸 CAVALERA Lineup
Max Cavalera – Vocals, Guitar
Iggor Cavalera – Drums, Percussion
Igor Amadeus Cavalera – Bass
Travis Stone – Lead Guitar

🧠 Deep Dive into the Universe of CAVALERA
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⚔️ AVENGER OF BLOOD Return to the Frontlines with “Revenge Is My Name” and a New Era of Thrash 💀

Once forged in the fires of the Bay Area thrash scene, AVENGER OF BLOOD has spent the past two decades carving a path of pure sonic devastation. After relocating to Las Vegas following a pair of raw and furious demos, the band scored a deal with JCM Records, unleashing their 2005 debut Complete Annihilation—a scorched-earth statement that quickly earned them global underground recognition.

From there, AVENGER OF BLOOD hit the metal circuit hard, storming festivals like Minneapolis Mayhem, Monsters of Metal, and Northwest Deathfest, and landing a coveted spot on the legendary Speed Kills… Again compilation alongside rising acts like Warbringer, Toxic Holocaust, and Enforcer—a release that helped ignite the modern thrash resurgence.

Their momentum built to a crescendo with the 2008 full-length Death Brigade, issued via Heavy Artillery Records and featuring blistering artwork by the iconic Joe Petagno (Motörhead, Krisiun, Sodom). But the machine hit a snag when founding frontman Eric Greaney and bassist Shawn Loureiro departed, briefly stalling the band’s upward trajectory.

Undeterred, co-founders Shannon Frye and Marc Flores pressed forward, rebuilding the ranks and keeping the flame alive with releases like the Spawn of Evil EP (2012), a split 7” with Witchaven, and the raging On Slaying Ground LP (2016).

Now locked and loaded with their most solid lineup to date—featuring Sal Lalli on vocals, Chris Garcia on guitar, and Corey Sorrenti on bass—AVENGER OF BLOOD is officially back with sharpened teeth and a vendetta to match.

Last year, the band revisited their roots by re-recording their debut as Completely Re-Annihilated, bringing fresh blood to classic cuts and hitting the stage at Blades of Steel Fest alongside legends like Flotsam & Jetsam, Exciter, Vio-lence, and Jag Panzer. They also supported Death Angel and Ruthless on select shows in California and Nevada, signaling their official return to the live battlefield.

Their upcoming full-length Revenge Is My Name is now in the works, with a 2026 release planned—and the band has already begun to unveil what’s next through unrelenting live performances.

The blood is still fresh. The riffs are still lethal. And AVENGER OF BLOOD is here to remind you that thrash never dies—it just gets louder.

Deep Dive into the Universe of AVENGER OF BLOOD

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Allegaeon Joins Warbringer for North American Co-Headlining Vortex Of Violence Tour

Melodic technical metal maestros Allegaeon are set to embark on a North American co-headlining tour with thrash titans Warbringer this Spring. Dubbed the Vortex Of Violence Tour, the trek kicks off on March 18th in San Diego, California, and concludes on April 12th in Los Angeles, California. Joining this powerhouse lineup are Skeletal Remains and Summoning The Lich, ensuring an unforgettable night of blistering metal.

Allegaeon comments:
“We are thrilled to join forces with thrash titans Warbringer to bring you the Vortex Of Violence Tour! With Warbringer and Allegaeon leading the charge, and the amazing Skeletal Remains and Summoning The Lich kicking off the evening, this lineup promises a night to remember. So, get ready—stretch, drink plenty of liquids, and dust off your riot gear. We’ll see you in the pit.”


Tour Dates – Vortex Of Violence 2025

Allegaeon w/ Warbringer, Skeletal Remains, Summoning The Lich:

  • 3/18/2025 San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick
  • 3/19/2025 Phoenix, AZ – Last Exit Live
  • 3/20/2025 Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad
  • 3/21/2025 Oklahoma City, OK – 89th Street Collective
  • 3/22/2025 Haltom City, TX – Haltom Theater
  • 3/23/2025 Austin, TX – Come And Take It Live
  • 3/24/2025 Corpus Christi, TX – House Of Rock
  • 3/26/2025 Orlando, FL – Conduit
  • 3/27/2025 Jacksonville, NC – Hooligan’s
  • 3/28/2025 Bensalem, PA – Broken Goblet
  • 3/29/2025 Brooklyn, NY – Woodshop
  • 3/30/2025 Montreal, QC – Foufounes Electriques
  • 3/31/2025 Toronto, ON – The Garrison
  • 4/01/2025 Detroit, MI – The Sanctuary
  • 4/02/2025 Chicago, IL – Reggies
  • 4/03/2025 Lawrence, KS – The Bottleneck
  • 4/04/2025 Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theater
  • 4/05/2025 Denver, CO – HQ
  • 4/06/2025 Salt Lake City, UT – Metro Music Hall
  • 4/08/2025 Seattle, WA – El Corazon
  • 4/09/2025 Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw Theatre
  • 4/10/2025 Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theater
  • 4/11/2025 San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge
  • 4/12/2025 Los Angeles, CA – Teragram Ballroom

Tickets are on sale now!


New Album on the Horizon

Allegaeon is gearing up to release their highly anticipated seventh full-length album later this year. Produced by longtime collaborator Dave Otero (Flatline Audio), the album promises to showcase the band’s signature blend of technicality and melody. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.


Watch “Iridescent”

In the meantime, check out Allegaeon’s previously released stand-alone single, Iridescent:

ALLEGAEON:
Greg Burgess – lead guitar
Michael Stancel – lead guitar
Jeff Saltzman – drums
Ezra Haynes – vocals
Brandon Michael – bass


Deep Dive into the Universe of Allegaeon

“DEATH ANGEL Announces Explosive 8th Annual X-Mas Show with Global Live Stream, Featuring Special Guests FORBIDDEN – STREAMING LIVE, WORLDWIDE DECEMBER 21 & 22”

Bay Area thrash titans DEATH ANGEL are gearing up for their 8th Annual X-Mas Show, a metal extravaganza set to blaze The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, CA, on December 21st and 22nd. The lineup boasts special guest appearances by FORBIDDEN, and the opening acts include FROLIC and TORNADIC.

While tickets for the live shows are SOLD OUT, there’s no need to despair for fans unable to attend in person. Both nights will be broadcast globally through a live stream. Secure your virtual tickets at https://www.deathangel.us/, and brace yourselves for a face-melting experience.

The band shared their excitement about the X-Mas shows, turning what was once a Bay Area Thrash Metal tradition into a global phenomenon. The live stream will feature both nights, with Forbidden and Frolic on December 21st and Forbidden and Tornadic on December 22nd. Fans can enjoy a virtual merchandise booth with exclusive Death Angel items available for purchase. The shows will be available for continuous viewing until December 30th.

This Annual X-Mas Show marks the culmination of a bustling year for DEATH ANGEL, marked by relentless shows in support of their critically acclaimed album Humanicide. Their journey included tours across Asia, Europe, and North America, sharing the stage with renowned acts like KREATOR, SEPULTURA, SACRED REICH, TESTAMENT, and EXODUS.

Hailing from San Francisco since 1982, DEATH ANGEL stands as one of the pioneering thrash bands alongside TESTAMENT, EXODUS, POSSESSED, VIO-LENCE, and FORBIDDEN. Renowned for their influential presence in the thrash metal realm, DEATH ANGEL has unleashed nine full-length albums, with their latest, Humanicide, earning a Grammy Award nomination. The quintet, comprising Rob Cavestany (guitar, vocals), Mark Osegueda (vocals), Ted Aguilar (guitar, vocals), Will Carroll (drums), and Damien Sisson (bass), concludes their five-year global tour in support of Humanicide. Anticipating no slowdown, they are set to embark on a spring South American tour in 2024 before diving into the creation of their next metal opus.

Follow DEATH ANGEL for the latest updates:

EXHORDER Announces Explosive Spring 2024 US Tour with VIO-LENCE, DECEASED, and MORTAL WOUND

NOLA thrash and groove pioneers EXHORDER have unveiled their spring 2024 US tour schedule alongside Bay Area thrash legends VIO-LENCE, Virginian extreme metallers DECEASED, and LA death metal outfit MORTAL WOUND. The intense journey commences on April 5th in Cambridge, MA, reaching its zenith on April 13th in Chicago, IL. This upcoming tour follows the band’s recent winter venture with VIO-LENCE in South America.

EXHORDER shared their excitement about the impending tour, stating, “To share a bill with Vio-Lence on two separate tours this coming year is something that we are looking forward to immensely. We will join Deceased and Mortal Wound in the process of getting the evening started! Get off your couches and come support live music—if we can make it, so can you!”

Tickets for the tour are available now through the provided links.

EXHORDER Tour Dates:

  • April 5 – Cambridge, MA – Middle East Tickets
  • April 6 – Brooklyn, NY – Monarch Tickets
  • April 7 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts Tickets
  • April 8 – Baltimore, MD – The Ottobar Tickets
  • April 10 – Cleveland, OH – The Winchester Tickets
  • April 11 – Cincinnati, OH – Legends Tickets
  • April 12 – Detroit, MI – Sanctuary Tickets
  • April 13 – Chicago, IL – Reggies Tickets

Photo Credit: Erik Hernandez

About EXHORDER:
Formed in 1986, EXHORDER’s journey has been thrilling yet tumultuous. After a twenty-seven-year hiatus following their final Roadrunner Records release in 1992, EXHORDER re-entered the scene with an album considered by many as a contender for the “Best Comeback Album” category. The band dropped Mourn the Southern Skies in October 2019 through Nuclear Blast Records. Despite lineup changes and the challenges of the 2020-2021 pandemic, EXHORDER has fought back to prepare another album for their iconic discography, set to be unveiled next year.

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War Curse Unleashes “Confession” Album with “Miracle Broker” Video

Ohio thrashers, War Curse, are set to release their third full-length album, “Confession,” via Blacklight Media on October 20th. The band, known for their thrash-oriented metallic attack, has built a dedicated fan base over the years.

“Confession” marks a new chapter for War Curse. The album showcases their evolution as musicians, focusing on songwriting, groove, dynamics, and melody, while retaining their signature brutal style. The first single, “Miracle Broker,” combines bludgeoning death metal with unconventional riffing, reminiscent of legendary experimentalists like Cynic, Atheist, and Gorguts.

Guitarist Justin Roth explains, “We experimented with new sounds, old sounds, took in new influences, old influences, and let the songs come together as organically as possible. If I lose my thrash card for it, oh well, I’ll hand in my battle vest.”

The pandemic disrupted their extensive touring plans in 2020, pushing the band to channel their energy into creating this album. It took a year to write and record, with each song meticulously crafted. The result is an album that stands as a cohesive musical journey.

“Confession” features the vocal contributions of Blaine Gordon, who brings a newfound confidence and melodic direction to the band’s sound. The album includes a cover of Grip Inc.’s “Rusty Nail” as a tribute to their former bassist, Jason Vie Brooks.

War Curse has released the first single, “Miracle Broker,” along with an accompanying video. The song takes aim at corrupt religious figureheads who manipulate their followers through brainwashing campaigns.

Watch “Miracle Broker” here.

Tracklist for “Confession”:

  1. The Nothing (That is Me)
  2. Fortress Of Agony
  3. Confession
  4. Miracle Broker
  5. Power Of The Powerless
  6. The Convoy
  7. Return To Dust
  8. Sowing Division
  9. Rusty Nail (Grip Inc. cover)
  10. Illusion Of Choice

War Curse Line-up:

Blaine Gordon – Vocals

Justin Roth – Guitar

Joshua Murphy – Guitar

James Goetz – Drums

Johnnie Wallace – Bass

Photo by Brian Vogel

Deep Dive into the War Curse universe


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Blacklight Media Records:

NoLifeTilMetal Records proudly presents the electrifying new release by LA thrashers ANGER AS ART.

While many bands boast about being the next big thing or compare themselves to legendary acts like Led Zeppelin, Anger As Art doesn’t feel the need to do so. Their track record speaks volumes.

Since 2004, Anger As Art has embodied top-tier, old-school thrash metal. The band’s roots are deeply intertwined with the rich history of its members, who hail from influential groups such as Abattoir, EvilDead, Bloodlust, Hirax, Death, Manowar, Raven, Heretic, and Bitch, among others. Their journey has taken them on multiple world tours, sharing stages with iconic bands like Destruction, Overkill, Testament, Death Angel, Exodus, Saxon, Agent Steel, former Maiden vocalists Bayley and DiAnno, Tankard, Onslaught, Katatonia, and more.

Originally meant to be a tribute, Anger As Art’s existence was demanded by fervent fans. With the addition of drummer Rob Alaniz, bassist and vocalist Eric Bryan, and guitarist Albert Gonzales, the band hit the road with unyielding vigor, touring globally. In 2023, Anger As Art reemerges with their seventh and most powerful album to date, “Virtual Sympathy.” This 11-track powerhouse is a testament to doom-laden thrash, characterized by soaring guitars, gut-wrenching vocals, and an exceptional rhythm section. Rather than slowing down, these thrash veterans are only gaining momentum in the worldwide metal scene.

Mark your calendars for September 1st when “Virtual Sympathy” drops on all digital and streaming platforms, as well as CD. A limited vinyl pressing will also be available later in the year.

Don’t miss the first single and music video for the track ‘The Enemy Within’:
Watch ‘The Enemy Within’

German thrash’n’rollers SPLICER release their latest single, accompanied by the music video for “Blind”.

Formed in 2015, SPLICER started as a three-piece band and quickly developed their distinct singing style, giving birth to their unique genre known as “Rock’n’Proll”. After honing their skills through numerous local live shows and songwriting sessions, they recorded the 4-track EP “Beerwolf” in 2017, which gained positive reception upon its release in 2018.

In 2019, they followed up with the online release of the 3-track EP “Blind” and a CD version titled “SPLIT”, featuring a total of six tracks, including collaborations with Call It A Wasteland. Building on their growing success, SPLICER unleashed their highly anticipated debut album, “Bootlegger”, in 2021, featuring 13 tracks showcasing their signature thrash’n’roll sound.

Presently, SPLICER consists of the founding members Daniel on drums and Rick on bass/vocals, joined by Chris on guitars. To reignite the spirit of Rock’n’Proll, the band has recently unveiled the music video for their latest single, “Blind”, which can be watched here.

Currently, the band is diligently working on their sophomore album, scheduled for release in late 2023. Fans can expect more high-energy thrash’n’roll anthems to come.

Connect with SPLICER:

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International thrashers PRAETOR unleash their debut album with the intense and melodic “Pitch Black” video.

PRAETOR delivers a relentless and adrenaline-fueled onslaught of melodic THRASH METAL. Formed in 2019, the band is now promoting their highly anticipated first album, released on February 24th, 2023. With two singles already released from “Praetor,” it’s time to experience the power of their third single, “Pitch Black.”

Watch the “Pitch Black” video here: YouTube

The band consists of Hugo, Noémie, Alex, and Sebastien, seasoned musicians who have spent over 12 years honing their craft in different bands before coming together as PRAETOR. Drawing inspiration from Bay Area Thrashers and other notable names in the scene, these metal heads have a shared history, having played with each other in various tribute bands.

With their wealth of experience, these musicians are fully prepared to unleash their brand of high-octane metal energy. PRAETOR kicked off their journey with an impressive debut show in France and have since performed in countries such as Luxembourg, Holland, and Germany. Now, the band is gearing up for an exciting tour in support of their first album, while already working on new material for their next release.

Listen to PRAETOR on Spotify: Spotify

Connect with PRAETOR on social media:
Facebook: PRAETOR Thrash
Instagram: PRAETOR Thrash

Stay tuned for more electrifying thrash metal from PRAETOR as they continue to make their mark on the metal scene.

Unleash the Thrash Metal Fury: ARTILLERY’s 40th Anniversary North American Tour is Here!

Danish thrash metal icons ARTILLERY are celebrating their 40th anniversary with a North American headlining tour! The journey, which begins on September 29th in Minneapolis, Minnesota and closes on October 14th in Brooklyn, New York, includes a performance at the Blades Of Steel Festival in Madison, Wisconsin. Support will be provided by Vapor and Potential Threat.


Tickets are on sale now.
See all confirmed dates below.

ARTILLERY w/ Vapor, Potential Threat:
9/29/2023 The Underground Café – Minneapolis, MN
9/30/2023 Blades Of Steel Festival @ The Crucible – Madison, WI
10/01/2023 Legend’s – Cincinnati, OH
10/02/2023 No Class – Cleveland, OH
10/03/2023 The King of Clubs – Columbus, OH
10/04/2023 The Sanctuary – Detroit, MI
10/05/2023 Hard Luck – Toronto, ON
10/06/2023 Dominion Tavern – Ottawa, ON
10/07/2023 Piranha Bar – Montreal, QC
10/08/2023 Rock Café Le Stage – Trois Rivieres, QC
10/09/2023 L’Anti Bar and Spectacles – Quebec City, QC
10/10/2023 Sherman Showcase – Stroudsburg, PA
10/11/2023 Funhouse at Mr. Smalls – Millvale, PA
10/12/2023 Another Round – Richmond, VA
10/13/2023 Alchemy – Providence, RI
10/14/2023 Saint Vitus Bar – New York, NY

In the mid-1980s, Denmark’s ARTILLERY established themselves as being at the cutting edge of the thrash movement. Four decades later, they continue to destroy. The band’s most recent studio offering – the aptly titled, X — was released in 2021 via Metal Blade Records. X was tracked in Medley Studio in Copenhagen, Denmark with producer Søren Andersen, who the band have worked with on every record since 2009’s When Death Comes. Wrote Blabbermouth upon its release, “Nearly 40 years after their story began, this band is still a unique and exhilarating proposition.” Distorted Sound noted, “This is crisp and accessible, there are no unintelligible vocals and they know how to write a beefed-up metal song. This should please the pit and the guys at the back who prefer to sing along in equal measure. If you like the faster side of metal you owe it to yourself to check this out.” Added Ghost Cult, “Bursting with razor-sharp riffs, frantic shredding, and more hooks than a fisherman’s tackle box, X is another outstanding example of classic Danish thrash.”


Preview and purchase X at: metalblade.com/artillery

Find more information on ARTILLERY at the following links:

Official Website

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