Evildead

History

Evildead was formed in 1986 by guitarist Juan Garcia (Agent Steel) and bassist Mel Sanchez (Abattoir) with the intention to create new music with a heavier sound than their prior bands; they recruited Rob Alaniz on drums, and temporary Abattoir lead guitarist Mark Caro to record their debut demo; which featured songs that would later appear on official releases. Evildead incorporates not only speed metal, but also a bit of hardcore, punk, and heavy thrash styles in their songs. Evildead lyrical content explorers political, and social themes mixed with horror and nuclear war topics.

In 1987 the band signed a recording contract with SPV/Steamhammer Records and released an EP entitled 'Rise Above' featuring 3 songs; 'Run Again', 'Sloe-Death' and the Black Flag anthem 'Rise Above'. In the same year Evildead released their full-length debut album 'Annihilation of Civilization'. A promotional video was launched for the title track, and it received play on MTV's Headbangers Ball.

After touring to support the album, the band returned to the studio to record their second studio album 'The Underworld' with Producer Warren Croyle which was released in 1990. The band also released a live album 'Live...From the Depths of the Underworld' in 1991, but that was their last offering as the band went into hiatus.

After Evildead finally disbanded officially; bassist Karlos Medina, and guitarist Juan Garcia had a short lived project called Terror which released one full length album; 'Hijos de Los Cometas' (Culebra/BMG) with lyrics and vocals in Spanish before Juan went on to reform Agent Steel.

Evildead officially reformed in 2010 to perform at the Thrasho de Mayo Festival in Los Angeles with the majority of the 'Annihilation of Civilization' line up; including lead guitarist Albert Gonzales, and new vocalist Steve Nelson (Winterthrall). The band completed an European tour in October, 2010 (first European shows in over 20 years).

Evildead have been writing new material, and they've recorded demos with original vocalist Phil Flores, and are working with producer Bill Metoyer. Evildead performed live at the California Death Fest in Los Angeles on July 27, 2019 and are planning to release their long awaited third official studio album sometime in 2020.

(source: Evildead)