NUNSLAUGHTER Unleashes 'Satanic Chaos Legions' on BLKIIBLK: A Death Metal Resurgence
In the ever-evolving landscape of death metal, few bands have carved their names into the annals of underground history like Cleveland's own NUNSLAUGHTER. With over 200 releases since their inception in 1987, this relentless quartet stands as a testament to the genre's raw power and uncompromising ethos. While many have tried to redefine death metal, NUNSLAUGHTER remains a bastion of simplicity and ferocity, channeling their devotion to the dark arts through a staggering array of splits, EPs, and a scant six studio albums that drive home their mission: to extol the virtues of Satan himself.
Their recent signing with BLKIIBLK, the new metal imprint from the Italian rock juggernaut Frontiers Records, has sent ripples through the death metal community. Known more for rehashing the glory days of '80s rock with acts like BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, this label’s foray into the brutal realms of death metal marks a pivotal moment for a band that has thrived in the shadows. Joining the ranks of heavyweights like BIOHAZARD, FORBIDDEN, HATEBREED, and MEGADETH, NUNSLAUGHTER's move represents not just a new chapter, but a bold statement of intent.
In late June, the band unleashed 'Satanic Chaos Legions', a brutal 14-track album that delivers 34 minutes of relentless, top-tier death metal. The intensity and craftsmanship of this release have piqued the interest of metalheads worldwide, prompting BLABBERMOUTH.NET to sit down with founding member and vocalist Donald "Don Of The Dead" Crotsley. The conversation quickly turned to the motivations behind this significant shift to a larger label, with Don revealing that the decision was primarily driven by his bandmates who sought the opportunities that their previous label, Hell's Headbangers, could not provide.
"I was content with Hell's Headbangers. They're good friends and there were never any issues," Don explained, peeling back the curtain on the band's internal dynamics. "But the others wanted to explore what was out there. Our bassist had been in touch with BLKIIBLK’s A&R, Mike Gitter, for years, and when he joined the new label, the stars aligned. We figured if they could attract bands of that caliber, we could finally reach a wider audience."
As a band entrenched in the cult underbelly of death metal for four decades, the transition to a major label is not without its complexities. Don candidly expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension about this new phase, stating, "I'm a little weirded out by it. We'll have to see how this move is viewed in hindsight, but for now, we’re all in. This partnership is invigorating." With 'Satanic Chaos Legions', they are ready to unleash their sonic assault upon the masses and show that even in a world of shifting trends, true death metal will always find its way back to the underground.