EXCITER is a Canadian speed metal band from Ottawa, formed in 1978 and are widely considered to be one of the first speed metal bands and a seminal influence of the thrash metal genre. Their 1983 debut record, Heavy Metal Maniac, is largely accepted as one of the first speed/thrash metal records and is quoted as being a main influence for some of the biggest names in metal today. Throughout the 80’s the band released several pivotal records on Megaforce, Noise, & Music For Nations and toured with the likes of Motorhead, Mercyful Fate, Manowar, Megadeth, & Accept. The band currently consists of original members Dan Beehler (drums/vocals) & Allan Johnson (bass) who are joined by guitarist Daniel Dekay. Known for their energetic, tight, and deafening performances, the band plays material from across their entire legendary Beehler fronted catalog & have remained very active with shows all over the world.

Vain is an American heavy metal band from San Francisco Bay Area, California, formed in 1986. As of 2018, the lineup consists of Davy Vain (lead vocals), Joel Proto (guitar), Ashley Mitchell (bass) and Tommy Rickard (drums).

With a virtuosic guitar attack, a rumbling rhythm section, and powerful, soaring vocals, Portland, Oregon’s Silver Talon is razor sharp and ready to become a major force in heavy metal. In February of 2018, Silver Talon released their first demo track “Devil Machine.” The track offered a small sample of Silver Talon’s ability to masterfully blend hook, melody, and technical ability into fist clenching, head-bangable heavy metal. Their second demo release, “Warrior’s End,” showcases more of Silver Talon’s dexterity in riffs, bent time signatures, and lush melodies.

Prelude to Ruin is the culmination of several years’ of laziness and inaction, finally come to fruition after Ruiz became dissatisfied with the current state of affairs. Old-timey and unconcerned with the feelings of others, Prelude to Ruin writes music that it, and only it, likes.

The heavy metal scene in San Antonio, TX was in full swing. Books have been written about the phenomenon. College courses were created to study it. Amongst the hordes of chaos, were the thrash warlords, Valkyrie. After releasing a cult classic demo, and playing shows throughout the state of Texas for a three year stint, they simply vanished.

Joe Gregory went on to get a finance degree from UTSA, start a family and is the author of six novels.

Scott Stine went on to play with multiple high profile touring acts. He was a Shrapnel Recording Artist whose album “Broke” received worldwide recognition and was featured on Liquid Note Records Compilation CD “The Alchemists” spotlighting 27 of the world’s greatest guitarists. He’s a clinician and pioneer for Ibanez’s 7 string guitars. Also, under the Shrapnel label, he contributed, wrote and performed with Crimeny, Haji’s Kitchen, Eniac Requim, and Tommy Lamey. Scott’s endorsements include Ibanez, Rocktron, Hughes and Kettner, SIT Strings, and Swiss Picks. For the last twenty years, Scott co-wrote, arranged/produced, and recorded several CD’s for his church. He still plays weekly for church services, weddings and various jazz ensembles and tribute bands.

In 2018, a renewed interest for San Antonio heavy metal bands, mainly from the eighties, progressed to a resurgence of local bands getting back together and performing again. Missing the good old days and camaraderie, Joe contacted Scott to see if he had any interest in performing or recording again. Thankfully, Scott said, yes! Needless to say, Valkyrie had unfinished business to tend to and release a proper offering for their fans. With that, the Choosers of the Slain EP was recorded and released in 2019 to the delight and praise of fans and critics alike.

The San Antonio thrash-metal pioneers are back with a blistering and unforgiving effort. If you’re a fan of old school thrash metal and today’s modern metal, you’re going to love this band’s unique sound.