Black Death have unveiled the first taste of their long-awaited sophomore album, Breaking the Chains of Hell, with the release of the new single THC. The album is scheduled for release later this year through Hells Headbangers.
Originally formed in 1977 in Cleveland, Ohio, Black Death are widely recognized as the first all-African-American heavy metal band. Their 1984 self-titled debut became a cult classic thanks to its raw, dramatic blend of traditional heavy metal, punk energy, and epic songwriting. Despite disbanding only a few years later, the band’s influence continued to grow within underground metal circles, eventually leading to extensive reissues through Hells Headbangers in 2017.
Led by vocalist and guitarist Siki Spacek, the upcoming Breaking the Chains of Hell revisits the spirit of the band’s original era while balancing vintage heaviness with renewed energy. Spacek explained that the album was initially intended to follow the band’s 1984 debut before years of delays and lineup changes reshaped its evolution.
Musically, the new material channels everything from the swaggering force of Motörhead to darker, dramatic heavy metal atmospheres, blending old-school grit with contemporary power. According to Spacek, the album represents “46 minutes of heavy metal mayhem” designed to unite fans under the banner of “pure American steel.”
Additional details regarding the album’s release date, artwork, tracklisting, and preorder information are expected soon.