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 an anthemic new single, "Tactics of Terror," which can be found below.
Nukem Bassist Don Lauder comments,
"Tactics of Terror' starts with a heavy power groove that evolves into a monster of a song, with lyrics that punch you in the mouth just as hard as the music. And what’s hitting hard right now? The People vs The Government. Both sides fully believing that they’re the 'good guys;' both sides fully invested in the power struggle of the world. The best grooves that move you are the simple ones, so our music video puts you right there with us as we jam the hell out of this intense song for intense times."
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 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'
Rob Cavestany (Death Angel) - Solo on 'Into the Kill Zone'
Russ Tippons (Satan) - Solo on 'Random Acts of Violence'
Laura Christine (Dark Angel/Warface) - Solo on 'Empress of Evil'
Cover Art: Megan Mushi
Produced by Steve Brogden & Nukem
Recorded at The Wilderness with Ulrich Wild & Forge Audio with Steve Brogden
Forge Audio with Steve Brogden
Mixed by Ulrich Wild
Mastered by Maor Appelbaum
For Fans Of: Exodus, Megadeth, Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Overkill
Pre-orders (USA): https://tornfromthegrave.us/collections/nukem
Pre-orders (Rest of World): https://tornfromthegrave.com/collections/nukem
Links:
The artwork for 'The Grave Remains' was created by Megan Mushi