ATROPHY — USA

Straight from Tucson, Arizona , Atrophy are genuine American thrash veterans.

Formed in the mid-1980s, Atrophy made their mark with the classic Roadrunner releases Socialized Hate and Violent by Nature , earning their place among the cult names of the American thrash movement.

After a 34-year gap between studio albums, Atrophy returned with Asylum in 2024 — proving that the aggression and attitude that made their name are still very much alive.

Expect old-school American thrash at full speed : cutting riffs, pounding drums and socially charged metal delivered by a band that lived through the original thrash explosion.

CONFESS — IRAN / NORWAY

Then there is Confess — a band whose story is as powerful as their music.

Originally formed in Tehran, Iran , Confess built a reputation for uncompromising groove/death metal while confronting subjects that carried very real consequences.

Band members Nikan Khosravi and Arash Ilkhani were arrested by Iranian authorities over their music and expression and endured imprisonment, including time in Tehran's notorious Evin Prison. They eventually gained refugee status in Norway and rebuilt the band in Oslo.

Their music is therefore more than entertainment.

It represents freedom, resistance and the determination to keep creating , whatever the consequences.

With their latest material continuing to push their heavy, modern sound forward, Confess bring an intensity and authenticity that has to be experienced live.

HELGRIND — UK

Completing this heavyweight line-up are UK thrash metal veterans Helgrind .

Formed in 2000 , Helgrind have spent more than two decades carving out their own place in the British underground, releasing material including Denial , Fallen Prophet , Religious Persecution , Inquisition and Insurrection .

Their sound crosses different areas of metal but remains rooted in ferocious, old-school thrash , with the band's own biography highlighting influences and comparisons ranging from Kreator, Exodus, Death and Sodom.

Helgrind have also built a serious live reputation, appearing at Rock Am Brink, S8 Underground Festival and Hammerfest , touring with Acid Reign , and performing as main support to legendary punk/metal outfit Discharge .

If you like your metal fast, heavy and unapologetic , Helgrind are going to make sure the night starts with a serious bang.

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