SCOTT IAN, DANNY LILKER And JAMEY JASTA To Perform STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH Classics At MILWAUKEE METAL FEST

STORMBREEDERS OF DEATH: A Crossover Thrash Revival

Get ready for a blast from the past! STORMBREEDERS OF DEATH, a tribute to the iconic 1980s hardcore-thrash hybrid pioneers STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH (S.O.D.), is set to unleash their sonic fury at this year’s Milwaukee Metal Fest. Taking place on Friday, May 16th at The Rave / Eagles Club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this performance promises an unforgettable experience for fans of crossover thrash and heavy music.

A Lineup Steeped in History

Adding to the excitement, STORMBREEDERS OF DEATH will feature two original S.O.D. members: guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Danny Lilker. Joining them are HATEBREED frontman Jamey Jasta on vocals and Ian’s son, Revel Ian, on drums. This dynamic combination of seasoned veterans and new energy guarantees a powerful and authentic rendition of S.O.D.’s pioneering sound.

Trailblazers of Crossover Thrash

STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH hold a meaningful place in music history, widely credited as among the first bands to fuse the raw energy of hardcore punk with the aggression of thrash metal, birthing the influential crossover thrash subgenre. their debut album, “Speak English Or Die,” released in 1985, became an instant classic. The album’s signature anthem, “March Of The S.O.D.,” even served as the intro song for MTV’s groundbreaking heavy metal program, “Headbangers Ball,” for many years.

From Comic Book to Cultural Phenomenon

The band’s origins can be traced back to Scott Ian’s unique persona: “Sergeant D.” Ian initially envisioned Sergeant D as a character in a comic book, developing his characterization and beliefs. As Ian put it in a 2018 interview: “You’ve gotta understand, this was a character — I was writing for a character. This isn’t how I feel, as Scott Ian.”

The lyrics, often provocative and controversial, reflected Sergeant D’s disdain for social norms and everything “alive.” The band’s unapologetic approach sparked debates and controversy. Danny Lilker, in a recent interview with Screamer Magazine, reflected on the band’s legacy: “There were some people that we did wanna piss off a little bit, but if you couldn’t tell that we were kind of being just obnoxious and provocative… People weren’t looking at the big picture.” He added, “I don’t regret any of it. I no some people might’ve thought, ‘That’s over the line,’ but then we weren’t really like that. We were just being perhaps a tiny bit reckless.”

A Lasting Impact

despite the controversies, S.O.D.’s influence on the metal scene is undeniable. They paved the way for countless bands that followed, proving that hardcore and thrash could coexist and create something truly unique. The 30th-anniversary edition of “speak English Or Die,” released in 2015, further cemented their legacy, offering fans a glimpse into the band’s origins with demo recordings from their pre-S.O.D project, CRAB SOCIETY NORTH.

STORMBREEDERS OF DEATH’s upcoming Milwaukee Metal Fest performance is a testament to the enduring power of S.O.D.’s music. It’s an possibility to witness a living embodiment of a pivotal moment in metal history and celebrate the enduring legacy of crossover thrash.

What can fans expect from STORMBREEDERS OF DEATH’s performance at the Milwaukee Metal Fest?

Crossover Thrash Pioneers Assemble: an Interview with STORMBREEDERS OF DEATH

Archyde News catches up with original S.O.D. members Scott Ian and Danny Lilker,HATEBREED’s Jamey Jasta,and Revel Ian to discuss their unique tribute band,STORMBREEDERS OF DEATH,and the enduring legacy of S.O.D.

Archyde: First off, thanks for taking the time to chat with us today. We’re excited to hear about STORMBREEDERS OF DEATH and your upcoming performance at the Milwaukee Metal Fest. let’s dive right in.How did this incredible lineup come together?

Scott Ian (S.I.): Thanks for having us! Well,as you know,Danny and I are both original members of S.O.D., and we’ve had the idea for this tribute band for years. We caught Jamey at a HATEBREED show and knew he’d be perfect for this – he’s got that aggressive,unfiltered vocal style that embodies Sergeant D’s attitude. And then Revel, well, he’s family and an incredible drummer, so it just felt right to complete the lineup.

archyde: The combination of veteran players and new energy is exciting. As we approach the Milwaukee Metal Fest, what can fans expect from this performance?

Danny Lilker (D.L.): They can expect a raw, energetic, and authentic S.O.D. experience. We’re not going to re-invent the wheel here; we’re playing the songs as they were written, capturing that iconic 1985 crossover thrash sound that put S.O.D. on the map.

Archyde: Speaking of that iconic sound, S.O.D. is credited as one of the first bands to fuse hardcore punk and thrash metal. How does it feel to be such trailblazers in the metal community?

Jamey Jasta (J.J.): It’s an incredible honor, really. When you think about the bands that came after us – Metallica, Slayer, even my own band HATEBREED – they all owe something to that early crossover sound. So to be up here on the pedestal looking down at all those legends is pretty surreal.

Archyde: and Scott, as the original creator of Sergeant D, has your perception of the character changed over the years? Looking back, is there anything you’d do differently?

S.I.: well, I think sergeant D was always meant to be this satirical, over-the-top persona. I never wanted fans to think I genuinely believed everything he said. But if I could go back, maybe I’d tone down some of the more controversial lyrics.Not because I regret them, but because people took them too seriously sometimes.

D.L.: I think that’s a fair point, Scott. We wanted to provoke, but we didn’t wanna alienate our audience in the process.

Archyde: You’ve both mentioned provoking the audience, which brings up a thoughtful question: Do you think there’s still room for controversy in today’s metal scene? Or has the provocative edge been dulled over time?

J.J.: I think it’s there, but it’s different beasts now. Back in the ’80s, it was shock value. Today, I think bands are more focused on provoking thought and consciousness rather of just offending for the sake of it. introdujo en la sociedad.

S.I.: Absolutely. And I think that’s a good thing. As artists,we should always strive to make people think,feel,and react.But we can do that without shocking them into submission.

Revel Ian (R.I.): I’m just happy to be part of this project and contributing to that legacy. Playing these iconic songs with these incredible musicians is something I’ll never forget.

Archyde: Well, we can’t wait to see STORMBREEDERS OF DEATH take the stage at the Milwaukee Metal Fest. Thank you all for your time today!