Kenosha, WI

Wisconsin-based thrash outfit Lazarus A.D. formed in spring of 2005 around the talents of guitarist/vocalist Dan Gapen, bassist/vocalist Jeff Paulick, guitarist Alex Lackner, and drummer Ryan Shutler. Employing a ferocious sonic assault that draws heavily from the Bay Area thrash scene of the '80s while maintaining a modern melodic, groove-based edge, the quartet landed its first break in 2006 after opening for Anthrax. Fueled by the local success of their three-song EP, the band hit the road and then the studio, self-releasing their debut album in 2007. The Onslaught received rave reviews from the metal underground, resulting in an offer from Earache Records to appear on an upcoming compilation called Thrashing Like a Maniac. The band inked a deal with Metal Blade the following year, who reissued The Onslaught in early 2009. ~ James Christopher Monger