HIRAX Frontman: 'Thrash Metal Is Back!'

HIRAX are currently rehearsing for their eight-date tour opening for their thrash metal metal brothers DESTRUCTION, which begins on Sunday, January 21, at The Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana, California.

Although HIRAX and DESTRUCTION have never played a show together, HIRAX vocalist Katon W. De Pena and DESTRUCTION vocalist/bassist Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer have known each other for the past 24 years.

"Katon is a true metal maniac," said Schmier. "He was the first U.S. citizen that ordered our demo tape back in 1983! Since that day, DESTRUCTION and HIRAX have had a deep friendship because music is able to deliver more emotions than anything else and it goes beyond borders and boundaries. After all these years, I'm really excited that we will finally play together with HIRAX in their home country."

"I have always had respect for Schmier and DESTRUCTION ever since I first heard their first demo tape back in 1983, when tape-trading was the law," said De Pena. "They have withstood the test of time and still are one of the real pioneers of thrash metal. It is an honor to be sharing the same stage with them."

HIRAX's five-song EP, "Assassins of War", will be released on February 6 on Black Devil Records and Deep Six Records. It will be available in the U.S. through Century Media Distribution and Relapse Records. The EP will also be released on 12-inch 45 RPM colored vinyl in a limited pressing.

"The artwork for both the CD and the 12" vinyl version is incredible," De Pena said. "Jeff Gaither did the artwork. He has drawn album covers for the legendary punk/hardcore band THE ACCUSED, along with many others. HIRAX is some of his best work for sure."

After the dates with DESTRUCTION, the band will continue to write new material for their full-length album as well as contributing a new track to the upcoming Black Devil Records compilation "Thrash Metal Warriors", which will be an international compilation of the best underground bands from around the world. TOXIC HOLOCAUST, SLAVER, STRIKE MASTER, and EXECUTION are also scheduled to contribute tracks and other surprise guests will be announced soon.

"The ending of 2006 was great for us with the East Coast and California dates we played, and 2007 will start off with a bang!" De Pena said. "We will be touring heavily in support of the new 'Assassins of War' EP and we expect to tour more countries than ever before this year. Thrash Metal is BACK!!"

HIRAX will return to Mexico City on March 3 for the Full Metal Festival, which features appearances by HELSTAR, ANVIL, AGENT STEEL, and OMEN.

"Thrash Til Death Over North America" tour dates featuring DESTRUCTION, INTO ETERNITY and HIRAX:

Jan. 21 - Galaxy Theatre, Santa Ana, CA
Jan. 23 - Slim's, San Francisco, CA (also Death Angel)
Jan. 24 - Jumping Turtle, San Diego, CA
Feb. 13 - White Rabbit, San Antonio, CA
Feb. 14 - Walter's On Washington, Houston, TX
Feb. 15 - Chic's, El Paso, TX
Feb. 16 - Clubhouse, Tempe, AZ
Feb. 17 - Knitting Factory, Hollywood, CA