Nefarious, the California-based thrash outfit featuring a powerhouse lineup of veteran metal musicians, has just unveiled the official music video for its third single, “Addicted to Power”. The track serves as the title song for the band’s upcoming debut album, out July 18, 2025, via Relentless Metal Records. A collector’s vinyl edition will also be available here.
A blistering anthem aimed squarely at modern power structures, “Addicted to Power” delivers razor-sharp riffs, relentless pacing, and politically urgent lyrics. With Katon W. De Pena (Hirax) on vocals, Rick Hunolt (Exodus, Diehumane) and Doug Piercy (Heathen, Anvil Chorus) on guitar, Tom Gears (Blind Illusion, Ancient Mariner) on bass, and Will Carroll (Death Angel) on drums, Nefarious fuses the primal impact of classic thrash with a sharp, modern edge.
The music video, filmed at Soundwave Studios in Oakland, California, is a no-frills, raw performance that captures the unrelenting energy and focus of Nefarious. It reflects their musical mission: “unapologetic, unrelenting, and razor-focused on truth through sound.”
Describing the message behind the track, the band explains: “This song is about the insatiable hunger for control and the destruction it leaves behind, a reflection of times we are all experiencing right now.”
“Addicted to Power” follows on the heels of two critically received singles, “Master Plan” and “One Nation Enslaved”, both released earlier this spring.
The recording for “Addicted to Power” took place at Subterranean Studio in Oakland and Pyramid Studio in San Francisco, with mixing handled by Damien Rasmussen of Smoke And Mirrors Productions.
At the center of the storm is De Pena’s unmistakable vocal presence, anchoring the band’s high-voltage assault. Hunolt and Piercy bring a dual-guitar attack that honors thrash’s roots while adding a fresh urgency. Gears‘ bass work injects the necessary grit and momentum, while Carroll’s drumming provides a surgical, unrelenting force behind each track.
Hunolt reflects on the project: “I’m so honored to be with this amazing group of dudes. About to release some old-school thrash on you mofos. It’s long overdue, and I’m confident you guys will love it as much as we do. You, our metal brothers and sisters, deserve it. See you on the road. Let’s fuckin go!!!”
De Pena adds: “We’re not a band. We are a gang ready to crush skulls and make eardrums bleed … Necks will be sore …!!”
Piercy says: “Let’s get ready to rage! We are really stoked to finally be able to release this stuff and discuss it. It’s been under wraps for a while. More insane videos and shows are coming soon! We hope everybody enjoys this release as much as we had fun creating it, for you all!”
Nefarious will make their live debut at the Addicted to Power album release party, set for Saturday, July 19 at DNA Lounge in San Francisco.
With their bold combination of aggression and precision, Nefarious have positioned themselves as torchbearers for authentic, unfiltered thrash. If the singles are any indication, this is a band determined to make noise—and leave a mark.
