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PHOTO GALLERY

BIO

Something Nefarious is brewing in San Francisco …

A few Thrash Metal Masters got together …

From the heart of San Francisco’s legendary metal scene emerges Nefarious, a powerhouse band poised to leave an indelible mark on heavy metal. This all-star lineup unites some of the most seasoned and revered musicians in the genre, delivering a sound that’s as punishing as it is precise—blending melody, harmony, and crushing riffs in a way that only true Thrashers can.

Leading the charge is Katon W. De Pena, the electrifying frontman known for his commanding presence and raw intensity with HIRAX. His signature vocal attack sets the stage for a sonic onslaught. On guitars, the twin-axe assault is nothing short of legendary—Rick Hunolt (DIEHUMANE, formerly of EXODUS) and Doug Piercy formerly (HEATHEN, ANVIL CHORUS) unleash a relentless barrage of riffs and searing solos that define the essence of thrash metal’s golden era while pushing its boundaries forward.

 

Anchoring the chaos with a thunderous backbone is bassist Tom Gears (BLIND ILLUSION, ANCIENT MARINER), whose low-end power drives the band’s relentless groove. Behind the kit, Will "Beastman" Carroll of DEATH ANGEL delivers a percussive assault that is both ferocious and exact, ensuring that every track hits with maximum impact.

 

Together, Nefarious crafts a sound that is both fierce and refined—a perfect balance of aggression and musicianship that speaks to the true spirit of heavy metal. With their explosive live performances and immersive new material on the horizon, metal fans worldwide should prepare for an unstoppable force. This is unpretentious thrash metal. 

This is Nefarious!

MUSIC

VIDEO

Paper Fan

PRESS/RADIO

NEFARIOUS TO RELEASE FULL ALBUM JULY 18, 2025
Get ready for the explosive new release "Addicted to Power" from Nefarious, a formidable THRASH METAL band hailing from San Francisco! With a lineup of seasoned musicians Katon W. De Pena of HIRAX, Rick Hunolt of EXODUS, the talented Doug Piercy, known for his work with HEATHEN, and ANVIL CHORUS. Their dynamic rhythm section, featuring Tom Gears from BLIND ILLUSION and ANCIENT MARINER on bass and Will "Beastman" Carroll of DEATH ANGEL on drums, delivers an electrifying sound that perfectly blends melody, harmony, and crushing rhythm. Nefarious is poised to make a significant impact on the metal scene. Get ready to be captivated by their powerful performances and unique musical style as they carve out their place in the heavy metal world!
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If you wanna relive the devastation, you can find it here on infinite metal thrashing mad repeat \\,,// https://metaldevastationradio.com/.../rick-hunolt-doug...
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TUNE INTO THE BONE METAL ZONE WITH NIKKI BLACK THIS SATURDAY NIGHT AT 11PM TO HEAR NEFARIOUS "ONE NATION ENSLAVED" ... there is nothing like cruzing in your car with the radio cranked to 11 listening to that OLD SCHOOL THRASH METAL!

Why is this so special to us? 107.7 The Bone’s Metal Zone! Born in the metal crucible of the Bay in 2000 by the one and only Billy Steel, is resurrected in the legacy of heavy metal that’s been echoing through the ages. Nikki Blakk retakes the helm, curating a metal journey that spans genres and generations, right here in our local metal haven. Crank up the volume and stream the BONE METAL ZONE from anywhere every Saturday night at 11 pm for the Metal Zone madness!

Here is the link to listen on-line:

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Sweden Rock Magazine

Sugna på lite ny thrash av gamla rävar med namn som Katon W. De Pena och Rick E Hunolt?

Klart att ni är, spana in Nefarious!
Translation: 

Suck on some new thrash of old foxes named like Katon W. De Pena and Rick E Hunolt?

Of course you are, check out Nefarious!

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Rock of Ages

April 21 at 11:10 AM  · 

Here's another preview of tomorrow night's Rock of Ages Radio show! (It is Tuesday April 22nd! ) We have a considerable load of music ready to be able to digest the weekends of the Easter weekend. This is how, among others, King Kraken , Disquiet A-Z Suicidal Tendencies and NefariousOfficial get by! Check in from 20:00 on www.radiorockofages.nl via 107.2 (Aalten municipality) or via AFM / www.aladnafm.nl

Metal SV

April 23 at 5:25 PM  · 

#Noticias La escena del Thrash Metal recibe una gran noticia con el nacimiento de NefariousOfficial, una nueva banda integrada por miembros de grupos legendarios como Death Angel, Exodus, Hirax y Blind Illusion. Con un sonido directo, feroz y sin concesiones, la banda acaba de lanzar su primer sencillo y anuncia su álbum debut para este año.

La formación reúne a pesos pesados del género: Katon W. De Pena (Hirax) en la voz, Rick Hunolt (ex-Exodus) y Doug Piercy (Blind Illusion) en guitarras, Tom Gears (Blind Illusion) en el bajo y Will “Beastman” Carroll (Death Angel) en la batería. En palabras de Katon: “No somos una banda, somos una pandilla lista para aplastar cráneos y hacer que los tímpanos sangren… ¡Los cuellos estarán adoloridos!”

Su primer adelanto, “One Nation Enslaved”, ya se encuentra disponible y sirve como antesala a “Addicted To Power”, el álbum debut que verá la luz el próximo 18 de junio. Este trabajo promete revivir la esencia más cruda del thrash de la vieja escuela con un enfoque renovado y furioso.

Además, Nefarious ya tiene en la agenda su primer gran show: el concierto de lanzamiento se celebrará en el DNA Lounge de San Francisco el 19 de julio.

The new Nefarious SF single "One Nation Enslaved" is now in Heavy Rotation on METALMOUTH RADIO!!!

Metalmouth Radio - NORTH AMERICA'S HEAVIEST RADIO STATION Broadcasting 24/7 from the Chicago Southlands! Playing New Releases, Metal Classics, unsigned bands from around the Globe and giving you more Chicago Metal than anybody on the Planet. Turn it up and Metalize™ your Neighbors!!! Phone in request 24/7 toll free from anywhere in the United States (877) 469-6345 Remember, any message you leave may be played on the station. If you don't want that to happen just say so! you can also email your request to metalmouthradio@yahoo.com

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Exodus-, Death Angel-Mitglieder et al. gründen Supergroup
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HITKILLER.COM

21.04.2025

Старые кони. Суперпроект NEFARIOUS от прошлых и нынешних музыкантов EXODUS, DEATH ANGEL, HIRAX, HEATHEN

НОВИНКИ И НОВОСТИ

В копилку весенних новостей, связанных с олдовыми трэш-металистами: фронтмен HIRAX Katon W. De Pena, гитаристы Rick Hunolt (ex-EXODUS, DIEHUMANE) и Doug Piercy (ex-HEATHEN, ANVIL CHORUS), басист Tom Gears (BLIND ILLUSION, ANCIENT MARINER) и драммер Will «Beastman» Carroll (DEATH ANGEL) анонсировали супергруппу NEFARIOUS, которая играет угадайте-что. 

Мужики уже записали дебютник Addicted To Power, он выйдет в июле, а пока, в угадайте-каком-стиле, презентован сингл «One Nation Enslaved».

De Pena: «Мы не группа. Мы — настоящая банда, которая готова проломить черепа и пустить кровь из ушей!… Ваши шеи будут нестерпимо болеть!…»

Piercy: «Давайте вздрючим этот мир как следует! Наконец-то мы можем рассказать, чем занимались в последнее время, — и показать это вам! На подходе очередные безумные видео и еще более безумные шоу! Надеюсь, вам будет так же по кайфу смотреть и слушать, как нам было — создавать это все!»

С учетом того, что Doug Piercy недавно отметил 64, да и прочие, кроме драммера (ему в мае всего 52 — мальчишка!), тоже 60+, на бешеную концертную энергетику я бы особенно не рассчитывала. Ну а что «старые кони» знают толк в олдскульных бороздах, — ну дык на то они десятилетиями и учились.

Слушаем!

VOICES FROM THE DARLSIDE - INTERVIEW WITH RICK HUNOLT
https://www.voicesfromthedarkside.de/interview/nefarious

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Hammer World Magazine Hungary (Eastern Europe) Heavy Metal News 2025!

NefariousOfficial – Death Angel-, Exodus-, Hirax-, Heathen-zenészek egy csapatban

Klip készült az Addicted To Power album One Nation Enslaved című szerzeményéhez

https://hammerworld.hu/nefarious-death-angel-exodus.../

#nefariousofficialbandcamp #nefariousofficial

#nefarioussf #bayareathrashmetal #onenationenslaved #newsong

WHAT THE FANS SAY ...

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WHAT'S UP, FREAKS!! 👋🤣 Yea so, THIS NEW VETERAN THRASH METAL SUPER GROUP, "Nefarious." HERE'S A REVIEW OF THEIR LATEST SINGLE, "One Nation Enslaved" off upcoming full-length, "Addicted to Power" out July 18th.
SEE WHAT CONCRETE SLAB HAS TO SAY HERE
CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND SEE WHAT THE FANS SAY ... CLICK HERE
"How good can a thrash metal song still be, in 2025?“ - Neforious: „Hold my beer!“ You guys have blown me away! „One nation enslaved“ is by far the best metal-song of f***ed up 2025! You guys raging like a pack of young wolves! Can't wait for the album! Good to see Rick and Doug back in business!"

"It’s fuckin’ badass to see Rick Hunolt rippin’ some thrash again. I’m in".


"So energetic . With amazing guitar riffs . Great harmonizing. This is like new old school… can’t wait to see them play and hear more".

"Hacia mucho que una cancion de thrash no me generaba este sentimiento jamas habia escuchado una banda asi a pesar de ser thrasher vieja escuela, que placer vivir para ver esto".

"This is all what life's about. Doing what you do best and f*** the rest. BBB was one my first thrash albums (40 years ago) still to me the #1 thrash album. This brings back sweet memories. Can't wait for the fill album and maybe some gigs in Europe. Good to see Rick - and the other guys - back in action!"

"And that's it! Awesome! Like a time machine that takes me back to my youth and the beginning of thrash! Thrash is not dead! You can play disco like metallica or play like you guys!"

"Rick Hunolt rules supreme!!!!"

"I NEED THEIR ALBUM RIGHT NOW!!!!"


"Wow! This came out of nowhere, and it's insanely good! Probably the best thing I've listened to in 2025 so far!"

"I’ve been listening to this song on repeat for a few days now and it’s just that freaking good! major heathen vibes with a mix of Exodus. Hearing Doug Piercy and Rick Hunolt shred together is one of the best guitar duos of all time! Need to see them live soon"

"Now that's some tasty thrash metal! Everything a good thrash tune should have. Intense drumming, topical lyrics, great riffs, blazing, and melodic soloing, and aggressive vocals. I enjoyed it immensely."

"Wow, what the hell was that! Sounds like the 80‘s Thrash and I love it! Best Song that came out in a damn long time. Great to see Hunolt again. He is one of my favorite guitarists ever"

"Supergroup! Hunolt and Piercy twin guitar attack! Hell yeah!"

"God fucking DAMN this is so good!"

"That was sick! Old school Bay Area thrash metal lives"

"This is more Heathen than the actual Heathen. Dougs DNA is all over the place".

"What an amazing band!!! What an amazing song!!! After so many disappointing releases from other bands that I thought were gonna be great....this is it...this is hope, this is great music!!!"

"YES for this thrashhead!! Perfect tones to the driving music, love everything about this song."

"This is a reminder why Thrash Metal was born in the San Francisco Bay Area ! Fuckin' killer !"

"This is one of those where you are like: Yes! – THIS is why I love (thrash) metal! And seeing Katon, Hunolt, Piercy - I feel like I’m a teenager again, discovering metal, listening to it for the first time, and it changes your life forever! Love it so much!"

"Rick, that guitar kicks ass!! Thanks dudes for bringing us the real thrash metal spirit 40 years after!!! This is siiiiick!!!"

"Fünf Helden vereint in einer Band! Und was für ein geiler Song!!! Thrashmetal!!!!"

"Greetings from the UK, Congratulations gents ! Age is but a number ! fantastic to see Doug & Rick making music again. This blew my expectations out the window, this track is wicked guys ! Great main riff & guitar tone, Will's drumming is insane, he plays like a 21 year old ! The bass was thumping hard, i like the singer too, perfect vocals for thrash, all my 54 years & ive never heard a Hirax song, something i need to remedy. The production is awesome, right on point ! I actually cant believe what ive just heard, so refreshing & good. Round of applause guys, thrash metal hasnt sounded this good for years ! Cheers"

"Great stuff, doods! Has a classic feel, but not in a derivative way... more like, "This is what we need right now!" More of this please!"

"Can't stop listening to this track, really dig it. Look at you headbanging like it was the 1980's! You guys rock (I mean thrash) \m/"

"Now we're in business best surprise of 2025 thrash metal old school style"

"This is the best thing I’ve seen on YouTube in a long long long time!!!"

"Da haben wir sie die Wiederauferstehung von Rick . Er performt großartig und der Sänger ist auch sehr cool . Der Song hat wirklich alles , was es braucht"

"YES!! Doug Pierce (HEATHEN/THE COMPANY) and Rick Hunolt (EXODUS)! This is Christmas and Easter at one day! Greetings from Austria."

"yes, yes. YESSSS!!!! Damn, that's a kick in the ass....and i like it !!!!!"

"THE GREAT BAND OF THRASH METAL WORLD !!"

"The epitome of thrash...pure Bay Area sound....and Will is a fukn beast on this tune..."

"I broke my cowbell trying to play along!"

"Super Song! Katon klingt bei diesem Projekt wesentlich angenehmer als bei der Hau-Ruck-Truppe Hirax!! Kann ein Killer Album werden! Allein das Gitarren Doppel ist ja schon Kult!!"

"Wow. I think you guys just killed me. Hopefully, I'll get better by the time of your show in SF"

"New mexico awaits! Come shred a show in ABQ asap!! Youd be welcomed with opened arms! HUNOLT IS BACK!!! My fav thrasher for decades. KATON is a legend. Gears, Beastman, Piercy..... all legit."

"Ha az album többi nötája csak fele ilyen "tökös" lessz, akkor is megvan az év lemeze (nálam).Bay Area rules!!!!!"

"THIS IS HOW IT’S DONE! Loved every second of it, way to show both the youngster upstarts and the old farts trying to stay ”relevant” the essence of real thrash!"

"Awesome track. Rick is channeling some Impact Is Imminent."

"Quiero llegar a 61 años con la energia de Katon De Pena. Mucha suerte a estos señores del metal con su nueva super banda. Viva San francisco!!!"

"Fucking killer! Face ripper! Goddammit, this is good fuckin THRASH METAL"

"This song is light-years better than a good half of what any "thrash" band has put out for years. I'm excited!!!! Let her RIP!!!"


 

TOUR DATES 

Nefarious Record Release
w/ Hellfire
Sat. July 19
DNA Lounge, San Francisco

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REPRESENTATION

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