EVILDEAD was formed in 1987, by guitarist JUAN GARCIA (current member of BODY COUNT), and bassist MEL SANCHEZ (ABATTOIR) along with drummer ROB ALANIZ. The EVILDEAD line up was completed with temporary lead guitarist MARK CARO also from ABATTOIR. The band debut live appearance occurred on April 11, 1987 at Fender’s Ballroom in Long Beach, California on a bill that also featured CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER, DARK ANGEL, and POSSESSED. Soon after the group entered the recording studio to track a three-song demo featuring “Run Again”, “Sloe-Death”, and “Process: Elimination”. The EVILDEAD sound was unique; highlighting a blend of speed, and thrash metal with punk overtones, and lyrical themes that explored political and thought-provoking social ideas; mixed with horror, and nuclear war themes.
In 1988, EVILDEAD signed a worldwide recording contract with SPV/Steamhammer Records and recruited lead guitarist ALBERT GONZALES to replace MARK CARO; in the same year the “RISE ABOVE” Ep was released (featuring 2 original tracks; along with a cover version of the BLACK FLAG anthem “Rise Above”); the debut music generated a strong underground buzz with airplay, and media support creating a strong underground fan base. In the summer of 1988, EVILDEAD entered Music Grinder recording studios with Producer/Engineer Cacey McMakin (NUCLEAR ASSAULT, KREATOR) to record the full-length album ANNIHILATION OF CIVILIZATION, which was released in April,1989 by SPV/Steamhammer to rave reviews and is consider a thrash metal classic; the cover artwork was created by Edward J Repka.
In 1990; EVILDEAD returned to the recording studio with producer Warren Croyle to track their second studio album “THE UNDERWORLD” also released by SPV in 1991 to great reviews even though it attributed a more refined metal sound; the album included a cover version of the SCORPIONS “He’s a Woman/She’s A man” with guest appearance by vocalist DAVID WAYNE (METAL CHURCH). Drummer GENE HOGLAN (DARK ANGEL) was also a guest on the album recording a guitar solo. EVILDEAD unleashed “LIVE...FROM THE DEPTHS OF THE UNDERWORLD” and disbanded shortly after in 1992 with members pursuing other projects.
In 2009 EVILDEAD had been generating a strong buzz and demands to reform for live shows; these heavy requests led to the band members getting together in October 2009. The line-up featured original drummer ROB ALANIZ, along with guitarist JUAN GARCIA, bassist MEL SANCHEZ, and lead guitarist ALBERT GONZALES with STEVE NELSON handling the vocal duties. The band toured Europe in 2011 co- headlining selective shows with SADISTIC INTENT including a live appearance at “Way of Darkness” Festival in Germany; the band also made an appearance at Jalometalli Festival in Finland. EVILDEAD went on hiatus a short time thereafter, but returned once again with original vocalist PHIL FLORES rejoining the group, and bassist KARLOS MEDINA from “The Underworld” line-up taking over bass duties.
EVILDEAD released their long-awaited comeback album “United States of Anarchy” on October 30, 2020, produced by Bill Metoyer, which featured nine new studio tracks along with a cover version of the B-52’s “Planet Claire”. EVILDEAD recently completed a European tour in 2023 with appearances at Wacken Open Air (Germany), Brutal Assault (CZ), and Alcatraz Festival (Belgium), and released the “Bathe In Fire” (single) worldwide. After their European tour, EVILDEAD returned to the recording studio to complete a brand-new studio album. On May 24, 2024, the band finally released their fourth full length release entitled “TOXIC GRACE” on SPV/Steamhammer records. At present, the band is gearing up for live shows to promote the new studio album and their 35-year anniversary since their debut release.
EVILDEAD is:
Albert Gonzales – Rhythm/Lead Guitars
Juan Garcia – Rhythm/Lead Guitars
Rob Alaniz – Drums
Phil Flores – Lead Vocals
Karlos Medina – Bass
Discography
EVILDEAD – Demo (1987)
EVILDEAD – RISE ABOVE Ep (1988)
EVILDEAD – ANNIHILATION OF CIVILIZATION (1989)
EVILDEAD – THE UNDERWORLD (1991)
EVILDEAD - “LIVE...FROM THE DEPTHS OF THE UNDERWORLD”(1992)
EVILDEAD – UNITED STATES OF ANARCHY (2020)
EVILDEAD – TOXIC GRACE (2024)