Article By: Pat ‘Riot’ Whitaker ‡ Edited By: Leanne Ridgeway
One of thrash metal’s longest-running, legendary acts are preparing for their full-on metal assault of Europe. The iconic Long Beach shredders Hirax will join the bashing Brits in Raven for a merciless trek across the Olde Country.
Set to launch a little over three weeks from now, the pair will be given direct support on the tour by none other than U.S. metallers Kill Ritual.
Hirax is nearing their 35th anniversary of actively ass-kicking and there’s no sign of them letting up anytime soon. Band founder, vocalist Katon W. De Pena is currently joined by guitarist Lance Harrison, bassist Steve Harrison, and drummer Mike Vega in Hirax. The band is quite well-known for their energized, over the top live performances and merciless stage domination. Combine that with the presence of NWOBHM power metal band Raven, the equally fantastic Kill Ritual, and it’s a recipe for disastrous metallic mayhem.
Hirax recently shared a pre-tour video teaser that is streaming below, along with the EU. tour itinerary. Do I even need to add that this is a trek not to be missed? All dates and tour poster are found below.
In Hirax related news, the band will be part of two amazing shows set to take place in Santa Ana and Los Angeles, California on September 14th and 15th. Amazing why, you ask? Because they will be joined by my West Virginia-based progressive thrash pals in Byzantine when both bands support the mighty Sacred Reich at the aforementioned tour stops.
That’s right, the oh-so appropriately titled ‘30 Years of Ignorance Tour‘ was recently announced and features Sacred Reich‘s first U.S. tour in decades. Byzantine will be there for the entire run and they will be joined by Hirax on the following pair of dates:
9/14 – The Observatory, Santa Ana, CA.
9/15 – The Roxy, Los Angeles, CA.
Raven / Hirax / Kill Ritual EU. Tour Dates:
June
07 – Roeselare, Belgium – De Verlichte Geest
08 – Essen, Germany – Turock
09 – Hamburg, Germany – Bambi Galore
10 – Rotterdam, Netherlands – Baroeg
11 – Tilburg, Netherlands – Little Devil
12 – Osnabruck, Germany – Bastard Club
13 – Dresden, Germany – Chemiefabrik
14 – Dornbirn, Austria – Schlactaus
15 – Florence, Italy – Circus Club
16 – Milan, Italy – Blue Rose Club
17 – Montbeliard, France – Atelier des Môles
18 – Cisson, France – Hellfest (Hirax only)