Evildead

Evildead
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1986 in Los Angeles, United States
Founder	Juan Garcia, Mel Sanchez
Headquarters	Los Angeles, United States
Products	Music albums, EPs, live albums

Evildead is a thrash metal group from the United States, established in Los Angeles in 1986. The band initially included musicians from Agent Steel and Abattoir, such as guitarist Juan Garcia, who remains the only founding member still active. Throughout their first nine years, Evildead produced two studio albums: Annihilation of Civilization (1989) and The Underworld (1991). Challenges with lineup stability and difficulties completing a third album contributed to their split in 1995. Following reunion periods between 2008–2012 and again starting in 2016, the band released two additional albums: United $tate$ of Anarchy (2020) and Toxic Grace (2024).

Origins and initial releases (1986–1992)

Evildead originated in 1986 as a side endeavor by Juan Garcia, guitarist for Agent Steel, and Mel Sanchez, bassist from Abattoir, aiming to explore a heavier sound infused with pronounced hardcore and thrash influences beyond their primary bands. Their music fused intense compositions with lyrical themes addressing politics, societal issues, horror motifs, and nuclear warfare, aligning them stylistically with contemporaries like Testament, Vio-lence, Dark Angel, and Sacred Reich. The band’s name was taken from Sam Raimi’s horror movie The Evil Dead.

In 1988, the group secured a deal with the European label Steamhammer Records and launched the three-song EP Rise Above in 1989, which included a rendition of Black Flag’s "Rise Above." Their debut full-length, Annihilation of Civilization, also released in 1989, garnered positive reviews. The music video for its title track received rotation on MTV’s Headbangers Ball.

During the winter of 1991, Evildead recorded their sophomore album, The Underworld, under the production of Warren Croyle; it was released that June. Despite this effort, it did not achieve the commercial impact of their first album. A live recording from their tour titled Live...From The Depths of The Underworld came out in 1992 but became their last release prior to grunge's rise displacing much of the 1980s heavy metal scene in North America.

Unrealized third album and dissolution (1993–2007)

Following the tour supporting The Underworld, Evildead went into an extended period of inactivity. In 1993, they began developing material for a third studio album, crafting songs such as "Humano," "Immortal," and "Dia de los Muertos," which appeared on their 1994 demo Terror. These tracks were later recorded by the band Terror for their 1997 release Hijos de los Cometas. Nevertheless, Evildead’s third album was never completed, resulting in the group’s breakup.

After disbanding, Karlos Medina and Juan Garcia rejoined Agent Steel and collaborated with former Evildead members Danny Flores and Rigo Amezcua in Terror, a band that released one Spanish-language album through BMG Mexico. Ex-drummer Joe Montelongo briefly toured Europe with Evildead before joining MX Machine and East Los Angeles punk outfit The Brat.

Initial reunion phase (2008–2012)

Evildead announced their reunion in 2008, performing at events such as Thrasho De Mayo in Los Angeles (2010) and Germany’s Way of Darkness Festival that same year. The lineup featured new vocalist Steve Nelson (known for Winterthrall and Noctuary), alongside original members Rob Alaniz on drums, Albert Gonzalez on guitar, Mel Sanchez on bass, and Juan Garcia on guitar.

By May 2011, the band had begun composing new songs for what would be their first studio album since 1991’s The Underworld. They released "Blasphemy Divine," produced by George Pajon, as a complimentary download. This effort would have marked the return of Albert Gonzalez, Mel Sánchez, and Rob Alaniz since their last appearance on 1989’s Annihilation of Civilization, as well as introduced Steve Nelson as the band's vocalist.

Despite intentions to proceed with recording sessions, Evildead disbanded once more on October 17, 2012.

Second reunion (2016–present)

Evildead came together again for a special performance on March 12, 2016, held at the Love/Hate Rock Bar in Los Angeles to mark drummer Rob Alaniz's 50th birthday celebration.

By June 2016, the group announced their decision to reunite permanently, outlining intentions to record fresh material and embark on live performances throughout 2017.

In August 2017, the band was completing four songs for their third studio album with Bill Metoyer as producer. On September 23, 2017, they debuted "Word of God," their first new track in over two decades, via Los Anarchy Radio. Just six days later, Evildead returned to the stage for their first post-reunion concert at the Union Club in Los Angeles. On February 11, 2018, the band revealed that their third album was "coming soon." The album, named United $tate$ of Anarchy, officially launched on October 30, 2020.

In early 2023, Evildead confirmed they were composing new songs for a fourth studio release and had entered pre-production by February. The lead single "Bathe in Fire" was unveiled on July 28, 2023. Following this, on March 13, 2024, they released the second single "Raising Fresh Hell" alongside the announcement of their upcoming album Toxic Grace, which was released on May 24.

Current lineup

Juan Garcia – guitar (1986–1995, 2008–2012, 2016–present)
Phil Flores – lead vocals (1986–1993, 2016–present)
Rob Alaniz – drums (1986–1990, 2008–2012, 2016–present)
Albert Gonzalez – guitar (1987–1989, 2010–2012, 2016–present)
Karlos Medina – bass (1990–1993, 2016–present)

Former members

Mel Sánchez – bass (1986–1990, 1993–1995, 2008–2012)
Mark Caro – guitar (1986–1987, 2008–2009)
Doug Clawson – drums (1990–1991)
Dan Flores – guitar (1990–1995)
Joe Montelongo – drums (1991–1993)
Jon Dette – drums (1993–1994)
Steve Nelson – lead vocals (1993–1995, 2010–2012)
Eddie Livingston – drums (1994–1995; deceased 2018)
Chris Maleki – lead vocals (2008–2009)

Studio albums

Live albums

Live... From the Depths of the Underworld (1992)

EPs

Rise Above (1989)

Demos

Terror (1994)