Tampa, Florida’s aggressive metal band Cold Steel has officially signed with Spinefarm Records, marking the occasion with their new single, Blacksmith of Damnation, released on June 11, 2025. The track, accompanied by a high-octane music video, introduces the band’s blend of thrash, hardcore, and metalcore, cementing their place in Tampa’s storied heavy music scene, often dubbed the “capital of death metal.”
Watch the Music Video:
Stream Blacksmith of Damnation at coldsteel.lnk.to/blacksmith
Produced by Arthur Rizk (Power Trip, Blood Incantation, Cavalera), Blacksmith of Damnation delivers airtight riffs, anvil-cracking percussion, and a narrative of good versus evil, described by vocalist Jose Menendez as “a harrowing tale of salvation and an unrelenting quest to unveil what lies beyond.” The track’s calculated chaos and bone-breaking grooves showcase Cold Steel’s signature “aggressive metal” sound, rooted in Tampa’s legacy of extreme music pioneered by bands like Death, Morbid Angel, and Obituary. Menendez adds: “We’re truly grateful for our team at Spinefarm Records… for giving us free rein to embrace our creative expression. Thank you to our supporters. We hope you enjoy this blistering take on the hero’s journey.”
Formed in 2021 in Tampa, Cold Steel—Jose Menendez (vocals), Rafael “Rafi” Carbonell (guitar), Shawn Wallen (guitar), Janpierre Mojica (bass), Rafael Calderon (guitar), and Brandon Thrift (drums)—quickly gained traction with their EPs Will of Spiritual Cleansing (2021) and Deeper Into Greater Pain (2023), featuring fan favorites Bad Beat, Evil Eye, and Full Tilt. Their fourth show ever was opening for Trivium after winning a fan poll, and they’ve since shared stages with Obituary, Weekend Nachos, and others. Known for their explosive live energy, Cold Steel draws from Tampa’s rich metal history, where Morrisound Recording and producer Scott Burns shaped the genre’s sound in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Cold Steel will bring their relentless sound to the stage at:
- 6/21 – Brandon, FL @ Florida Rules Fest (The Noise Box)
- 8/8 – Tampa, FL @ The Brass Mug (supporting Crowbar & Eyehategod)
Tickets: coldsteelband.com
Connect with Cold Steel
Instagram: instagram.com/coldsteelbandfl
Bandcamp: coldsteel813.bandcamp.com
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/2inu89bjNrWjp92nEqloP2
Blacksmith of Damnation heralds Cold Steel’s arrival as a force in modern metal. Stream the single, watch the video, and catch them live to experience Tampa’s latest metal power!