While mosh-inducing thrash formed the basic blueprint of their sound, MORDRED stood out as a unique presence thanks to their integration of funk, alternative and hip-hop influences.

MORDRED was formed in 1984 as the burgeoning Bay Area thrash scene was beginning its rise to global prominence.

The first taste of music from “The Dark Parade” was recently revealed with the music video for “Demonic #7” “The Dark Parade” is the continuation of the aural momentum that MORDRED regained on “Volition” and showcases a band that sounds as fresh now as they did during their initial decade of existence. The four songs on that effort saw the group return to the scene with a revitalized energy and successfully recapture their classic sound, which is rooted in thrash metal but veers off the straightforward path for more adventurous musical explorations by utilizing funk-infused musicianship and hip-hop influences. The album is the follow-up to their acclaimed 2020 EP “Volition,” and their first full-length record since 1994’s “The Next Room.” Outside of their 2015 single “The Baroness,” “Volition” – which is available for purchase at – marked the first new MORDRED music since the band’s 2013 reunion. “The Dark Parade” features five-sixths of the personnel from MORDRED’s acclaimed 1991 record “In This Life,” plus new drummer Jeff Gomes (formerly of Fungo Mungo and MIRV). The following week, MORDRED will take the stage alongside the likes of Vicious Rumors and Lich King at the Redwood Metalfest in Ukiah, Calif. Special guests and fellow Bay Area heavy metal masters Blind Illusion will also perform. 14 during the grand re-opening weekend of famed San Francisco rock club Bottom of the Hill. MORDRED has also scheduled their first live performance of 2021, a record release show on Aug. Set to be released by M-Theory Audio on July 23, the record – which will be offered on CD, digital, blue vinyl with orange splatter and a limited-edition, mail-order exclusive white vinyl variant with a Mordred turntable slipmat and autographed photo card – can be pre-ordered now at. “Malignancy” is the second advance taste of “The Dark Parade,” MORDRED’s first full-length album in over 25 years. This is dedicated to everyone who’s lost someone to this wretched disease.

The lyrics were written 20 minutes later. I was relating it to (vocalist) Scott Holderby one night over drinks, and I said that it doesn’t matter who you are or what you do for a living – cancer doesn’t give a shit. The music was done and there were some attempts at lyrics, but the subject was just too close to heart to write about. “’Malignancy’ was truly a band effort,” says White.

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