Dark Angel with Sacred Reich, Midnight, and more

Cleveland's cult band Midnight, led by multi-instrumentalist Athenar, fuses speed metal, black metal, and punk rock, gaining a devoted following since 2002.

VIO-LENCE, formed in Oakland in 1985, are Bay Area thrash pioneers known for their debut *Eternal Nightmare*. They toured with Testament, Exodus, and Machine Head members.

Hirax, from Buena Park, CA, formed in 1984, is a notable thrash metal band led by Katon W. DePena. Known for high-pitched vocals and short, hardcore-influenced songs, they released key albums like *Raging Violence* and *Hate, Fear and Power*. Despite early struggles, their cult following grew. Collaborations include Scott Owen, Ron McGovney, and former D.R.I. drummer Eric Brecht. Revived in 2000, they released *The New Age of Terror* in 2004, solidifying their place in speed and thrash metal history.