Forced Entry band photo

FORCED ENTRY Rises from the Ashes for Blades of Steel Metalfest

By Jason •
Seattle thrash legends are set to unleash their fury once again this September in Madison, WI.

In a thunderous announcement that has reverberated through the metal underground, FORCED ENTRY, the revered thrash titans of late '80s Seattle, are gearing up for a monumental return. Mark your calendars for September 19, as they take the stage at the Blades of Steel Metalfest, hosted at the infamous Crucible in Madison, Wisconsin. Joining them on this epic weekend are fellow Seattle metal warriors METAL CHURCH and SANCTUARY, alongside a cadre of legendary acts including CRIMSON GLORY, RAVEN, and ARTILLERY.

The reformulated lineup sees the return of original frontman and bassist Tony Benjamins, alongside the thunderous drumming of Colin Mattson and shredder Steve Campbell, promising a set that will reignite the flames of nostalgia for old-school thrash fans and introduce their blistering sound to a new generation.

FORCED ENTRY emerged from the Seattle metal scene during its golden era, carving a distinct niche with their frenzied thrash speed interwoven with intricate, progressive song structures. Their sophomore album, 1991's 'As Above, So Below', stands as a towering testament to their prowess—an album that has been hailed by both fans and critics for its unyielding aggression and technical brilliance.

To commemorate their legacy, a 35th anniversary reissue of 'As Above, So Below' is set to drop, featuring revitalized layouts crafted by Marc Lopes, which include a fresh interview with Benjamins alongside rare photos and flyers from the band's storied past. Originally produced by Tom Soares and engineered by Jamie Locke, the album is a must-have for any serious collector, showcasing iconic tracks like 'Macrocosm, Microcosm' and 'Never A Know, But The No', both of which were gifted with official music videos.

With roots deeply entrenched in the underground metal scene, FORCED ENTRY's contributions to the genre are undeniable. After signing with Combat Records and releasing two classic albums—1989's 'Uncertain Future' and the aforementioned 'As Above, So Below'—they toured relentlessly with heavyweights like SACRED REICH and OBITUARY, leaving an indelible mark on the Seattle sound alongside contemporaries like BITTER END and PANIC.

Prepare yourselves, metalheads: FORCED ENTRY is back, and they’re ready to unleash their technical thrash fury once more. This is a reunion you won’t want to miss.