Aftermath commemorates 40 years of mayhem with new music video and single
Chicago’s thrash stalwarts, Aftermath, are celebrating a significant milestone in 2025 – their 40th anniversary. To commemorate this achievement, they are releasing a re-recorded version of their track “Sentenced to Death (They Die You Die),” originally featured on their 1986 demo. The band felt that the original recording did not do justice to the song’s potential, which led them to re-record it with their full lineup for this special occasion.
Initially penned in 1985 and recorded in one take on two tracks, the band members were not satisfied with the production quality of the original version. They wanted to capture the essence of their old-school thrash energy while elevating the production values to meet modern standards. This reimagined version of their classic track aims to showcase the band’s growth and evolution over their long and illustrious career.
Regarding the significance of this release, Aftermath expressed their excitement about finally getting the song “the way we always imagined it should be.” The positive reception of this revamped track has inspired them to include it on their upcoming album, hinting at more surprises and musical delights in store for their loyal fanbase.
In addition to this single release, the band is diligently working on their fourth studio album, currently being finalized at Electrowerks Recording under the expert guidance of Chuck Macak, who is handling engineering and mixing duties. With promises of a “heavy” and “catchy” sound that deviates from their previous works, Aftermath is eager to unveil this new chapter in their musical journey.
For those unfamiliar with their history, Aftermath was founded in 1985 by Kyriakos “Charlie” Tsiolis and Steve Sacco. The band gained recognition for their Killing the Future demo before transitioning into a more technical and progressive thrash style over the years. Their resilience and talent have contributed to their enduring legacy in the metal scene.
One of the band’s most memorable anecdotes involves a legal dispute with Dr. Dre over the use of the ‘Aftermath’ name in the 90s. Rejecting a $50,000 offer from the rapper, Aftermath stood their ground and eventually secured a record deal with Interscope as part of the resolution. This episode underscores the band’s tenacity and commitment to their craft.
From the era of cassette trading to releasing albums in the digital age, Aftermath’s journey reflects the enduring spirit of heavy metal music. With their recent release and an upcoming album slated for 2026, it is evident that Aftermath is far from slowing down. Fans can look forward to more thrashing riffs, powerful vocals, and timeless melodies as the band continues to push the boundaries of their creative expression and musical prowess.