EP REVIEW: Vio-lence – Let The World Burn


Bay Area thrashers Vio-Lence might have only been around for eight years but what a magnificent near-decade it was. From their classic hyper-aggressive debut Eternal Nightmare (MCA Records) to the controversial lyrics of ‘Torture Tactics’ and a deliciously questionable vegetable soup and vinegar “vomit bag” plastic record sleeve, the band also launched the career of a certain Robb Flynn who went on to form 1990s game-changers Machine Head, eventually to be followed by guitarist Phil Demmel. With three studio albums under their belts, the band went their separate ways in 1993, only becoming a full-time going concern again in 2019.

Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Overkill – The Atlantic Years 1986-1994


Whenever the question of “who else deserved to be included in The Big Four?” raises its ugly head, New Jersey’s Overkill never find themselves too far from the conversation. Formed before the term thrash metal was even coined and named after the seminal second album by English noisy bastards Motörhead, Overkill began life as a covers band formed from the remnants of punk act, The Lubricunts. Having quickly gained a name for themselves with their self titled 1985 EP and full length debut Feel the Fire (Megaforce Records), it didn’t take Atlantic Records long to come calling, making Overkill one of the first thrash acts to sign to a major label.

Continue reading


Vio-lence to Enter the Studio Next Month to Record Their Comeback Album


House of Blues, Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV 8/18/19

Bay Area Thrash legends Vio-lence will enter Trident Studios in early 2021 to record a five-song EP. Juan Urteaga (Testament, Machine Head, Heathen, Skinlab) will produce the EP, which will release on Metal Blade Records around “mid-to-late summer” according to Phil Demmel in a video with most of the band and Juan, posted via Instagram. It will be the first recording of brand new material from the band since the Nothing To gain was recorded and released in 1993. The current lineup of the band includes founders drummer Perry Strickland and guitarist Demmel (BPMD), vocalist Sean Killian and new members Christian Olde-Wohlbers (Powerflo, ex Fear Factory) on bass, and guitarist Bobby Gustafson (Satan’s Taint, ex-Overkill). 

Continue reading


Vio-lence Announces Bobby Gustafson as Their New Guitarist, Replacing Ray Vegas


House of Blues, Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV 8/18/19

Reunited Thrash legends Vio-lence have announced the addition of former Overkill shredder Bobby Gustafson to their ranks, replacing Ray Vegas. Vegas’ final show with the band was the 70000 Tons Cruise earlier in the month. Bobby released his new album from his Satan’s Taint project in 2019 and has promised more music from that band as well. Vio-lence will play Puerto Rico as a 4 piece this weekend and then honor all future shows with Bobby. Continue reading


PODCAST: Episode 57: Bobby Gustafson Talks Satan’s Taint and New Music


Ghost Cult caught up with Thrash Metal legend Bobby Gustafson recently for an interview. You know the name and the riffs of the man from his time in Overkill, but also Spudmonsters, and Cycle Sluts from Hell among others. Booby’s new band Satan’s Taint released their Thrashy new album Destruction Ritual earlier this year and it has many of the hallmarks of his classic songwriting style. We chatted about many topics with Bobby, including some metal history lessons you don’t want to miss!

Continue reading