By Justin Smulison
Vicious Rumors is one of the great American metal mainstays. Founded by guitarist Geoff Thorpe, the band’s sole original member, the group is rooted in classic metal while also incorporating elements of thrash, power and doom. Their classic debut, Soldiers of the Night, was released in 1981 and since then, Vicious Rumors has released a total of 14 studio LPs amid a regular shuffle of personnel.
Their latest album, The Devil’s Asylum, arrived in 2025 via Steamhammer Records and fits in the discography perfectly alongside some of the iconic Carl Albert-era albums as well as some of the more recent fan favorites like Celebration Decay and Electric Punishment. New singer, Chalice, has all the hallmarks of trademark Vicious Rumors singer – from his aggressive guttural tones to the occasional high-pitched wail, which we can hear in singles like “Bloodbath” and “Crack the Sky In Half.”
This interview was recorded in February 2026, just ahead of their U.S. tour. Since then, the band has parted ways with longtime drummer, Larry Howe, and the European Asylum Tour in May will mark the debut of Wyatt Cooper, who is best known for his time behind the kit for Yngwie Malmsteen.
We are also treated to a surprise cameo from longtime VR producer Juan Urteaga, who is also the producer for Testament and Exodus. We just had a total blast and I can assure you it was not a “boring day in hell.”
Horns up!
Clips: “Abusement Park,” “Dogs Of War” “Boring Day In Hell” and “Crack The Sky In Half.”
Vicious Rumors online:
https://viciousrumors.lnk.to/TheDevilsAsylum
https://www.facebook.com/ViciousRumorsThisIsMetal
VICIOUS RUMORS LIVE – European Asylum Tour 2026:
May 2026
- 09.05. DE-Cham – LA
- 10.05. HR-Zagreb – Hard Place
- 11.05. RS-Belgrade – Klub Fest
- 14.05. DE-Essen – Don’t Panic
- 16.05. CZ-Brno – Kabinet Mus
- 17.05. SK-Kosice – Colosseum
- 18.05. SK-Zilina – Smer Klub 77
- 20.05. DE-Munich – Backstage
- 22.05. FR-Plozevet – Courts Of Chaos Festival
- 28.05. ES-Portugalete – Sala Groove
- 29.05. ES-Madrid – Sala Silikona
- 30.05. ES-Barcelona – Lennon’s Club
- 31.05. ES-Valencia – Zulú Klub
June 2026
- 03.06. AT-Velden – Bluesiana
- 05.06. IT-Modena – Vibra Club
- 06.06. IT-Vicenza – Super Metalfest VIII
- 07.06. IT-Rho (Milano) – Rock N’ Roll
- 08.06. CH-Siebnen – District 28
- 09.06. DE-Stuttgart – Der Schwarze Keiler
- 11.06. DE-Kassel – Goldgrube
- 12.06. NL-Den Haag – Musicon
- 13.06. NL-Breda – Sound Dog
- 14.06. DE-Oldenburg – MTS Records
- 17.06. DE-Dortmund – Cafe Banana (Exclusive acoustic show)
- 20.06. BE-Dessel – Graspop Metal Meeting
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