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.

The thrashers are now unleashing a vicious new single, "Torture, Murder, Mutilate!" which was inspired by the band Death. The track can be found along with a lyric video Below.

NUKEM vocalist and guitarist Steve Brogden comments, "'Torture, Murder, Mutilate!' We crafted this track after wrapping up our tour with Death To All & Suffocation, featuring legendary Death members Gene Hoglan, Steve DiGorgio & Bobby Koelble, alongside Max Phelps shredding through the space once ruled by Chuck. This track is deeply rooted in Death's influence, having had the privilege of their music as our nightly soundtrack, it definitely left its mark on us. Blending a touch of death metal with our Nukem style of Thrash, it made for a pretty brutal track!”

The track is taken from the band's forthcoming sophomore full-length, 'The Grave Remains,' which is due on April 10, 2026 via Redefining Darkness. Pre-orders are now live in the U.S. HERE and the rest of the world HERE.

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

Nukem Live Dates:

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'