California has always been fertile ground for thrash metal, leading the charge with some of the genre's most legendary acts. San Diego's NUKEM follows in the footsteps of thrash metal's founding fathers, producing the kind of time-tested, neck-breaking thrash that invokes deep nostalgia while still sounding fresh and modern.

Following up the lauded release of their pummeling new single, "Random Acts of Violence," the thrashers are now pleased to reveal that their sophomore full-length, 'The Grave Remains,' is now available for pre-orders! The record is due on April 10, 2026 via Redefining Darkness and the tracklisting and artwork can now be found below! Pre-orders are now live in the U.S. HERE and the rest of the world HERE.

ICYMI: "Random Acts of Violence" also features a guest guitar solo from Russ Tippins of the band Satan. The track is now available along with a visceral performance video that is sure to summon the kind of balls-to-the-wall, feral mosh pit that would make the late, great Paul Baloff proud. Watch the video Below.

NUKEM guitarist/vocalist Steve Brogden previously commented on the heavy yet important lyrical content of the song, "We are stoked to share the first single 'Random Acts of Violence' from our new record. This track is a full bore aggressive thrash metal attack that directly mirrors its lyrical content. In an age where mass shootings, stabbings & people getting beat to death in the streets for a social media challenge has become normal, It truly shows how lost we are as a society. 24 years ago, there was a shooting at my high school leaving 2 dead & 13 wounded by a 15 year old armed assailant. In almost a quarter century, things have certainly not gotten any better!”

NUKEM also has announced several upcoming performances in their home state of California, which can be found below.

Nukem Live Dates:

11/23: Ocean Beach, CA @The Holding Company

12/13: San Diego, Ca @The Tower Bar

01/03: San Francisco, CA @The DNA Lounge

Nukem is a Thrash metal force from San Diego, California, that delivers an honest, old school thrash attack. Formed in 2012, Nukem released their 2016 debut album "The Unholy Trinity,' which was mixed & mastered by Ulrich Wild (Pantera, Static X, Dethklok, White Zombie) and was released via Sleaszy Rider Records out of Greece.

Nukem had entered the studio in 2024 once again with Ulrich Wild to work on our second album. Ten songs of pure molten metal! Some songs are full on unstoppable Bay Area style Thrash metal violence while others are more of a mid tempo power groove. Nukem has now forged a new union with Redefining Darkness for the release of their oncoming onslaught... stay tuned!

Recording Lineup:

Steve Brogden - Vocals & Guitar

Norm Leggio - Drums

Don Lauder - Bass

Live Lineup:

Steve Brogden - Vocals & Guitar

Norm Leggio - Drums

Don Lauder - Bass

Xander Gambini - Guitar

Special Guests:

Gary Holt (Exodus, Slayer) - Solo on 'Empress of Evil'

Lee Altus (Exodus/Heathen) - Solo on 'Don’t believe a word'