Vio-Lence

Vio-lence is an American thrash metal band that emerged from the San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal scene in the late 1980s. Here are some facts about the band:

1. Formation and Early Years: Vio-lence was formed in 1985 in the San Francisco Bay Area by guitarist Robb Flynn and drummer Perry Strickland, who were joined by vocalist Phil Demmel, guitarist Troy Fua, and bassist Eddie Billy. Influenced by the burgeoning thrash metal scene and the aggressive sound of bands like Slayer and Exodus, Vio-lence quickly gained attention for their intense live performances and blistering musical style.

2. Debut Album "Eternal Nightmare": In 1988, Vio-lence released their debut album, "Eternal Nightmare", through Mechanic Records. Produced by guitar virtuoso Vinnie Moore, the album featured a relentless onslaught of thrash metal aggression, with tracks like "Eternal Nightmare" and "Serial Killer" showcasing the band's ferocious riffing and rapid-fire drumming. "Eternal Nightmare" received positive reviews from critics and became a cult classic among thrash metal fans.

3. Lineup Changes and Subsequent Releases: Following the release of "Eternal Nightmare", Vio-lence experienced several lineup changes, with guitarist Robb Flynn departing to form Machine Head, and vocalist Sean Killian joining the band. Despite these changes, Vio-lence continued to release albums and tour throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their subsequent releases, including "Oppressing the Masses" (1990) and "Nothing to Gain" (1993), showcased the band's evolution and experimentation with different musical styles while retaining their signature thrash metal intensity.

4. Legacy and Influence: Vio-lence is regarded as one of the pioneering bands of the Bay Area thrash metal scene, alongside groups like Metallica, Testament, and Exodus. Their aggressive riffing, rapid tempo changes, and politically charged lyrics influenced a generation of thrash metal bands and helped shape the sound of the genre. Vio-lence's impact on the thrash metal scene continues to be felt, with their music inspiring subsequent generations of metal musicians and fans.

5. Reunion and Return to the Stage: In recent years, Vio-lence has experienced a resurgence of interest, with the band reuniting for live performances and festival appearances. The classic lineup of Phil Demmel, Sean Killian, Robb Flynn, Perry Strickland, and Eddie Billy reunited in 2019 for a series of shows, delighting fans with their electrifying performances and showcasing the enduring power of their thrash metal sound. Despite the passage of time, Vio-lence remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of heavy metal, proving that their music still resonates with audiences decades after its initial release.