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 launching the latest aural assault from the offering, "Into the Kill Zone," which features a guest solo by DEATH ANGEL shredder Rob Cavestany. The song can be found along with a lyric video below

Nukem guitarist Steve Brogden comments, "This was one of the earlier songs we had written for this album and it came together rather fast and easy. My original working title for it was 'DA01' because I felt it had some heavy influence from our brothers in Death Angel, so it only felt fitting to ask Rob Cavestany to lay down a guest solo! Rob came out swinging and he knocked it out of the park!

"The song's actual topic came a book of the same name written by a retired police officer. He interviewed other officers on the weight of drawing their weapon in the line of duty and having to make split second decisions that could mean life or death to the officer or the ones they are sworn to protect. A pretty heavy topic that I don’t feel is touched on very often."

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'