As every metal fan knows: legendary California-based heavy metal giants Vicious Rumors does not follow trends … they create them.
Scheduled for an August 2016 release on SPV/Steamhammer … Vicious Rumors‘ Concussion Protocol proves yet again … as pioneers of power metal, they remain driven to consistently innovate and forge new paths into ever-expanding musical territory. Known worldwide for their high-energy shows and top quality musicianship … Vicious Rumors is perhaps the most versatile band of the heavy metal genre.
Their debut releases on Shrapnel Records, Soldiers of The Night (which was also the full-length recording debut of metal guitarist extraordinaire Vinnie Moore) and Digital Dictator are unanimously considered to be full-on metal classics, by both fans and reviewers worldwide. Vicious Rumors‘ three subsequent releases on Atlantic Records (and the companion MTV videos, which landed in regular rotation on Headbanger’s Ball) served to cement their reputations in heavy metal music history. Countless tours, eleven studio and three live albums later it is now well beyond question that Vicious Rumors will never fail to deliver a relentless, driving energy and commitment to excellence. Their major festival appearances at events like Bang Your Head, Rock Hard and Wacken Open Air over the years have left no doubt this is a band who is not satisfied to simply rest on their laurels.
In 2010, Vicious Rumors signed a deal with SPV/Steamhammer in Germany and over the last six years, this pairing of metal titans has resulted in 5 astounding albums: 2011’s Razorback Killers, 2012’s Live You To Death, 2013’s Electric Punishment, and 2014’s Live You To Death 2. The stage is now set, and Aug 26th, 2016 is the date to mark on your calendar. The worldwide unveiling of what will no doubt be remembered as a milestone release for both the band and the genre, Concussion Protocol. Not simply a “return to form” (though it is undoubtedly going to be hailed as an all time classic metal album), the production team of Juan Uteaga and Vicious Rumors leader Geoff Thorpe has been solidifying their working relationship for the past ten years, and has deftly zeroed in on the new strengths of a fully revitalized band that now features newcomers Nick Holleman on vocals and Tilen Hudrap on bass … alongside veteran guitarist Geoff Thorpe and drummer Larry Howe … as well as guest appearances by some long time VR friends: guitarists Steve Smyth, Brad Gillis, and Thaen Rasmussen.
Consider yourself forewarned Concussion Protocol will simultaneously explode out of the gate with the passion & fire of a newly galvanized band and the maturity in writing and performances that can only come from the most seasoned metal outfits. The songs run the gamut: the melodic power of “Take It Or Leave It”, the brutality of “1000 Years”, and the haunting “Circle Of Secrets” will take you on a sonic roller coaster ride of pure, unadulterated, cutting edge metal adventure and will demonstrate yet again Vicious Rumors will place no limits on their creative inspirations. Of course, true to form there’s the shredding guitar solos, melodic and powerful vocals, double bass drum thunder, bass guitar madness, and the thought provoking songs that are all part of the historical Vicious Rumors sound yet somehow, amazingly Vicious Rumors still expertly traverses both known and yet unknown metal territory.
