Played at Alcatraz: 2025

Initially forming in 2006 as Conqueror, Chemicide are a Costa Rican thrash outfit that has been active since 2008. Chemicide deliver razor-sharp thrash with a modern edge and an old-school heart. Influenced by the golden era of Bay Area speed and crossover aggression, their sound is fast, furious and unrelenting – perfect for fans of Exodus, Vio-Lence and early Kreator. Lyrically they don’t hold back, taking aim at political rot, societal collapse and the madness of modern life. Their debut ‘Episodes of Insanity’ (2015) showed promise but it’s their third effort ‘Inequality’ (2019) that made thrash fans worldwide truly prick up their ears. Produced by Destruction lead guitarist Martín Furia, the album’s old-school recipe with an edge rattled cages on the thrash scene. Furia stayed on board for ‘Violence Prevails’. Released earlier this year, it’s instantly clear on first listen that Chemicide have taken another great stride here. While offering nothing really new, it’s a high-quality, super aggressive thrash feast. High time to introduce them to our inmates!