Stormtroopers Of Death

Billy Milano – vocals

Scott Ian – guitar

Danny Lilker – bass

Charlie Benante – drums

“Music comes in waves. You either make the wave, ride the wave or miss the wave. Its only a matter of timing.” – Billy Milano, S.O.D.

Fourteen years have passed since STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH s maiden roar was heard. Through the passing years, a period highlighted by several prestigious live performances, the controversial yet influential quartets legacy has remained strong.

Bigger Than The Devil marks only the second time in S.O.D.s history that its respected personnel have assembled. Notorious frontman Billy Milano recently stressed that the recording should not, however, be regarded as a reunion album. “S.O.D. never really broke up,” confirms the singer. “The band is something of an eternal enigma which shows its ugly face from time-to-time. Rumblings of a new album began to circulate last fall as members began to work on music that ultimately became Bigger Than The Devil. Milano admits, “it was while Anthrax was recording Vol. 8, that we started to work on material for S.O.D. We all felt that if it didnt seem natural we would not do it. As time rolled on, the band became more enthralled with it and felt the magic that was, is, and always will be unique to us was still fresh and alive.”

Formed in 1985 by Anthraxs Ian and Benante, S.O.D. have but a solo studio effort to their credit. Recorded in only three days, Speak English Or Die pushed the genres then blossoming commercial success, with sales exceeding 900,000 units world-wide. Today it is regarded as one of metals poignant milestones. In 1992, the band regrouped for Live At Budokan. Were the only four guys who can travel around the world and act completely retarded yet everyone seems to be in on the joke, laughs guitarist Ian. The album marks one of only fourteen-odd live appearances to date by the band. Six years later, S.O.D. rumors began to circulate. Months passed as a bidding war ensued around the band. In late 1998, German-based Nuclear Blast claimed victory. This completes the seven year cycle.

Bigger Than The Devil strikes at the heart of sonic territory originally founded by the band years ago. Their now often copied mixture of heavy metal and hardcore, supported by the bands razor-sharp lyrics, have done much to influence the genre, even tens years after initial impact.