The new band CATEGORY 7, featuring members of bands such as OVERKILL, EXODUS, ARMORED SAINT and more, has just signed a deal with Metal Blade Records
CATEGORY 7, the new band featuring former MACHINE HEAD and current KERRY KING guitarist Phil Demmel, ex-ADRENALINE MOB guitarist Mike Orlando, ARMORED SAINT/ex-ANTHRAX singer John Bush, OVERKILL/SHADOWS FALL drummer Jason Bittner and EXODUS bassist Jack Gibson, has inked a deal with Metal Blade Records.
The origins of CATEGORY 7 began with discussions between Demmel and Orlando of their mutual desire to form a twin lead guitar hard rock unit harkening back to bands of the 1970s such as THIN LIZZY. Bittner was next to join the conversation followed by Gibson. After composing some early music, it was obvious that the only vocalist that would fit the concept would be Bush.
Notes Bush: “Mike Orlando‘s and Phil Demmel‘s awesome riffs made writing lyrics over the music a piece of cake. The rhythm tandem of Bittner and Gibson rounded out the sound and the connection felt like it was put together in the stars. Obviously, everyone being a veteran of the metal scene made it that much easier.”
Based on Demmel‘s and Bush‘s long-term relationships with Metal Blade Records, it seemed to be the perfect home for the band. The label agreed and a union was quickly forged.
Comments Metal Blade Records founder Brian Slagel: “Happy to welcome CATEGORY 7 into the Metal Blade family. Of course, some of them are already in! Seriously love working with this crew and it’s great stuff!”
As crushing and confrontational as an armed rebellion and as fiercely melodic as infectious riffs and aggressive vocals can be, CATEGORY 7 is a new breed of hard rock that lives up to the storied histories of its members. CATEGORY 7‘s debut will see release this summer with their first single to be unveiled on May 2.
Demmel concluded his tenure with MACHINE HEAD following the band’s North American tour in late 2018, marking nearly 16 years of influential contributions. His imprint on the group’s sound is indelible, having lent his talents to five of their acclaimed studio albums: “Through The Ashes Of Empires” (2003), “The Blackening” (2007), “Unto The Locust” (2011), “Bloodstone & Diamonds” (2014), and “Catharsis” (2018).
Renowned as the rhythmic powerhouse behind American metal outfit SHADOWS FALL, Bittner boasts a decorated career, clinching prestigious accolades such as Modern Drummer magazine’s No. 1 Metal Drummer in 2005 and 2006, alongside No. 1 Up-And-Coming Drummer in 2004 and 2005. In 2014, Bittner embarked on a sonic journey with thrash metal stalwarts FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, subsequently aligning himself with the forces of OVERKILL.
Bush remains deeply entrenched in the metal realm, maintaining his dual roles as vocalist and co-founder of ARMORED SAINT, a venture he initiated back in 1982. ARMORED SAINT emerged from the vibrant metal scene of Los Angeles in 1982, founded by Bush and bassist Joey Vera. With Bush‘s commanding vocals and Vera‘s intricate bass lines, ARMORED SAINT released a string of acclaimed albums, including “March of the Saint” (1984) and “Symbol of Salvation” (1991), solidifying their status as metal stalwarts.
John’s tenure with ANTHRAX, spanning from 1992 to 2005, witnessed the band’s evolution, though his involvement fluctuated due to lineup shifts. Despite intermittent departures, Bush returned intermittently, particularly during tumultuous periods like the fallout with frontman Dan Nelson, before Joey Belladonna reclaimed the helm in 2010.
Gibson‘s entry into EXODUS in 1996 marked a pivotal moment in the band’s trajectory, solidifying his position within their ranks ever since. Beyond his thrash metal exploits, Gibson‘s musical versatility shines through his bluegrass project COFFIN HUNTER, a fusion of Nashville twang and banjo virtuosity reminiscent of icons like C.W. McCall and Jerry Reed, imbuing Americana with a distinct cinematic flair akin to Sergio Leone‘s masterpieces.
