Lazarus A.D.
American thrash/groove metal band inactive since drummer's 2015 death.
Lazarus A.D. was an American thrash/groove metal band from Kenosha, Wisconsin. The group started out in 2005 under the name "Lazarus," but added the "A.D." suffix to sidestep potential trademark conflicts. Over their career, they put out two full-length albums: *The Onslaught* (2007) and *Black Rivers Flow* (2011). Though the band never formally announced a breakup or hiatus, they have been largely dormant since drummer Ryan Shutler passed away in 2015.
The band self-released their debut, *The Onslaught*, in 2007 and sent copies to numerous metal labels, all of which passed. One track from the album later appeared on an Earache Records compilation, and the record started getting positive buzz in the underground metal scene. That caught the attention of Metal Blade Records, who signed the band and re-released *The Onslaught* in 2009. Lazarus A.D. spent the next year and a half on the road, opening for Testament on the *Formation of Damnation* tour and for Kreator on the *Hordes of Chaos* tour, both in the U.S. They then headlined their own U.S. tour with Lightning Swords of Death as support. During this stretch, they also shared bills with three of thrash metal's "big four" (Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax), as well as Judas Priest, Rob Zombie, Exodus, Napalm Death, and Kataklysm.
Their second album, *Black Rivers Flow*, came out on February 1, 2011. Touring for that record lasted less than a year. They first supported Death Angel on the *Relentless Retribution* tour in the U.S., then co-headlined a European tour with Bonded by Blood, and finally returned to the U.S. as an opening act for Cavalera Conspiracy. Drummer Ryan Shutler died suddenly on May 17, 2015, in Sacramento, California. Since then, the band has remained mostly inactive, though no official statement about a breakup or hiatus has ever been made.
Musically, Lazarus A.D. blended thrash and groove metal with elements of traditional heavy metal. The band's lineup throughout its active years consisted of Jeff Paulick (lead vocals, bass), Dan Gapen (lead guitar, vocals), Alex Lackner (rhythm guitar), and Ryan Shutler (drums). Their discography includes a 2006 demo titled *Lazarus*, followed by the two studio albums.
Quick Facts
- Background
- group_or_band
- Genre
- Thrash metal, groove metal
- Origin
- Kenosha, Wisconsin, U.S.
- Years Active
- 2005–2015 (hiatus)
- Label
- Metal Blade
- Current Members
- Jeff Paulick / Dan Gapen / Alex Lackner
- Past Members
- Ryan Shutler (deceased)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Lazarus A.D. released their debut album The Onslaught in 2007. After self-releasing it, the band sent copies to many known metal record labels, all of which turned them down. However, one song from the album was included on a compilation by Earache Records, and the album received positive reviews in the metal underground, drawing the attention of Metal Blade Records. The band signed with Metal Blade and re-released The Onslaught in 2009. They then toured for a year and a half in support of the reissue, opening for Testament on their Formation of Damnation tour and Kreator on their Hordes of Chaos tour, both in the United States. Following this, Lazarus A.D. headlined their own US tour with support from Lightning Swords of Death. During this period, they also shared the stage with three of thrash metal's 'big four' (Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax), as well as Exodus, Napalm Death, and Kataklysm.
Reader's Guide
Lazarus A.D. occupies a modest but notable place in the 2000s thrash metal revival. Their debut album, The Onslaught, initially self-released, gained traction through underground reviews and a compilation placement on Earache Records, leading to a deal with Metal Blade Records. The band's energetic live performances earned them tours with major acts like Testament and Kreator, and they shared stages with several of thrash metal's most iconic bands. Their second album, Black Rivers Flow, was released in 2011, followed by shorter touring cycles. The sudden death of drummer Ryan Shutler in 2015 effectively ended the band's activity, though no official breakup was announced. Their legacy rests on two albums that blended thrash and groove metal with traditional heavy metal elements, and on their brief but intense period of touring alongside some of the genre's biggest names.
Did You Know?
- The band originally formed as 'Lazarus' in 2005, adding 'A.D.' to avoid potential legal issues.
- Their debut album The Onslaught was initially self-released in 2007 before being re-released by Metal Blade Records in 2009.
More in American groove metal musical groups 1-24
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