Inevitably, the thrash batch had to come, so we’re announcing seven bands of the American wave. Four big names who have been involved in the formation of this genre will come from California – TESTAMENT, EXODUS, ARMORED SAINT and SADUS. The younger blood will be represented by Colorado’s HAVOK, multi-instrumentalist Joel Grind’s TOXIC HOLOCAUST and Czech-American LAID TO WASTE.

TESTAMENT’s legacy goes beyond its music. This band has influenced countless others, not only in the thrash metal genre. And they’re not just a thrash legend. Aside from the fact that they can write just about any song to include a strong moment, melody, and have a solid structure, they have Chuck Billy behind the microphone. That is to say, Mr. Singer, who, when he gets into it, rips the first layer off the road, and conversely, when he savors the tone, melts the whipped cream in the whole candy store. There aren’t many singers like him on the planet.

EXODUS will also bring their uncompromising sound and unwavering dedication to thrash metal. These pioneers of the thrash metal genre formed alongside Testament and other legendary bands from The Big Four of thrash. In 1985, EXODUS released their debut album “Bonded by Blood”, which is considered a classic of the thrash metal genre. Their most recent album to date, “Persona Non Grata”, was released by these masters of their craft in 2021. The album deals mainly with the theme of the degradation of modern society and spares no expense with its characteristic fast guitar riffs and intricate guitar solos.

Thrash brotherhood ARMORED SAINT have eight studio albums to date. The latest, “Punching the Sky” (2020), proves bassist Joey Vera’s words that ARMORED SAINT want to make “very good music”. In their 40+ years of existence, the band has reached a comfort zone where they can now be themselves, and that brings them well-deserved musical freedom. A band that has been through the entire history of the genre, fronted by John Bush (who was also in Anthrax for a number of years) will bring their combination of classic metal elements with contemporary influences to Brutal Assault creating a powerful and progressive sound.

The Californian foursome will be completed by SADUS with their thrash-driven technical death metal and they will play on Brutal Assault for the first time in fifteen years. The band is currently made up of the duo Darren Travis and Jon Allen, and after sixteen years they make a triumphant return with their sixth studio album “The Shadow Inside”. The album was released in November 2023 and deals with the theme of the inner entity that drives human actions. Musically, the duality of the cosmic demonic and the tormented soul is thus intertwined. It explores life choices and the responsibility one must take for their actions in order to unlock one’s full potential in life.

TOXIC HOLOCAUST will hit the stage with a sharp thrash ride. This band with a DIY approach was formed in 1999 when multi-instrumentalist and driving force Joel Grind combined his love of classic punk and metal into his ideal band. Like his influences – Bathory, Venom, English Dogs, Possessed, Broken Bones – TOXIC HOLOCAUST is characterized by fiery riffs, aggressive vocals, and a fixation on human evil and a post-apocalyptic world.

Colorado’s HAVOK undoubtedly belong to the top of the thrash metal scene. With their latest album “V” (2020), they follow up the successful “Confirmicide” (2017), pushing themselves further, while staying true to their thrash roots. They have achieved sophisticated, razor-sharp compositions with a clear and full sound with massive bottom notes, and peer through them into the soul of our “post-factual” times.

Last but not least, this packed line-up will be completed by the only band that is “not purely American”, the Czech-American LAID TO WASTE playing traditional thrash combined with speed metal. Despite line-up changes and a slowdown in activity, the band has regained momentum in 2021 with new drummer Adam Nesvorny. They are currently working on their third album, which is scheduled for release in late 2023 – and promises music that will get you into a brutal mosh.

Newly announced bands: ARMORED SAINT, EXODUS, HAVOK, LAID TO WASTE, SADUS, TESTAMENT, TOXIC HOLOCAUST

A list of all currently announced bands:

ABBATH performs IMMORTAL, ARCHITECTS, ARMORED SAINT, BEHEMOTH, BODYSNATCHER, BORN OF OSIRIS, BROKEN HOPE, BRUTUS, ČAD, DARKEST HOUR, DARVAZA, DEVIL MASTER, DØDHEIMSGARD/DHG, EMPEROR, EVIL INVADERS, EXODUS, GOD IS AN ASTRONAUT, GRAND MAGUS, GUILT TRIP, HAVOK, IMPALED NAZARENE, INCANTATION, JINJER, KAMPFAR, KHOLD, LAID TO WASTE, LEFT TO DIE, LEGION OF THE DAMNED, LIK, MENTAL CRUELTY, MOTIONLESS IN WHITE, MY DYING BRIDE, NECROT, PARTY CANNON, PRIMORDIAL, SADUS, SATYRICON, SKELETAL REMAINS, SNĚŤ, TERRORIZER, TESTAMENT, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, TOXIC HOLOCAUST, TRIUMPH OF DEATH performing HELLHAMMER, TULUS, UADA, UFOMAMMUT, VED BUENS ENDE, VOMITORY, WHITECHAPEL

TICKETS: https://brutalassault.cz

FB EVENT: https://fb.me/e/4vumy0d7V

YouTube Movie: https://youtu.be/A3wQ8-PNu2s Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2gPj5boPDxS2wMDe9ReP5v

“II ODYSSEY WITHIN”: Female President is writing and recording their second EP, due out in late 2023, ‘The Healing Ritual’. Healing is a tough and chaotic process, it often takes pain and discomfort to create motivation to change. Often when you work on making your life or circumstances better, you find yourself surrounded by strangers and outside of your comfort zone. The Healing Ritual explores the roller coaster ride from pain to peace.

II Odyssey Within is a song that pushed it’s way to the surface through so many creative blocks and limiting beliefs. Dréa could hear the melody and the instrumentation in her head so clearly but the lyrics that bubbled out seemed too optimistic or carefree at first, then too vulnerable. Could writing a happy song about feeling like an empowered woman really cause so much discomfort and anxiety? Pushing through tears and barriers of frustration led to a breakthrough of a cross country adventure where your heart is free and your mind is as clear as the night sky in the desert. Howl at the moon and let it all out.

Upon an early listen, a dear friend of Dréa’s wrote: “I am sitting in my hotel room, listening to your latest single and thinking this song is a victory, a light for other women to see the path beyond, their “Shawshank” moment, the moment they break through the shadows and embrace the light. This song is a gift to the next generation of daughters living in the shadows and looking for road ahead. Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing yourself with the world.”

ABOUT FEMALE PRESIDENT

An American family trio inspired by early roots of rock n roll; simplistic riffs that groove and dynamics that build to a fever pitch. Starting during the pandemic as a way to cope with canceled tours and shuttered venues, Female President writes songs with an honest grit and emotional vibe that you can groove to and rock out. Combining their unique styles of playing and genuine love of music, Female President is an energized modern rock band with a sound all its own.

II Odyssey Within: https://open.spotify.com/intl-pt/album/61U75TYw3xz6J6pTdTlnbV

The Japanese-Brazilian trans progressive rock artist Yasu releases new single “My Spaceship Lost Control” on all streaming platforms. The track is a rock opera about an astronaut who finds his ship adrift in space, with death imminent. It’s a song full of metaphors about depression and mental health. The single has strong inspirations from bands such as Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Porcupine Tree and David Bowie.

With its unique fusion of sonic elements and cultures, Yasu promises a captivating musical experience that will take progressive rock fans on an exciting and unforgettable journey. The track is a celebration of creativity and diversity, reflecting their Japanese and Brazilian cultural heritage.

Their talent for combining complex sonic textures with engaging lyrics transports listeners into a richly detailed sonic world where the past and present intertwine in magical ways.

Combining progressive rock, new wave and pop music, Yasu has strong inspirations from prog artists on the more pop side, such as Supertramp, Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, Alan Parsons Project and Steven Wilson.

“My Spaceship Lost Control”: https://open.spotify.com/intl-pt/track/4hzeJiVuepMuL3azcHFuWM

The video shows an astronaut adrift in space, with excerpts from videos by singer David Bowie. The music has strong inspirations in bands like Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Porcupine Tree and David Bowie.