Colorado thrash metal quartet HAVOK have officially signed to BLKIIBLK and marked the beginning of a new era with the release of their new single “Fifth Generation Warfare,” accompanied by an official lyric video.
Watch the lyric video:
The signing to BLKIIBLK signals a fresh chapter for the band while maintaining the speed, precision, and aggression that have defined HAVOK’s sound for nearly two decades. Alongside the announcement, the band introduced new guitarist Brett Rechtfertig, who makes his recorded debut on the single.
Speaking about the track, the band explains:
“‘Fifth Generation Warfare’ showcases a wide variety of HAVOK sounds; incorporating guitar harmonies, punk attitude, pummeling drums, bass lines that deviate from the guitar parts, and a message about a gnarly topic, while still leaning into optimism.”
On the label signing, HAVOK add:
“We’re excited to sign with a new label that is hungry and eager to make a name for themselves, while still being led by a seasoned veteran. The music we’re releasing with BLKIIBLK is a continuation of HAVOK’s history of fast and tight heavy metal.”
BLKIIBLK’s Global Head of A&R also praised the band, calling HAVOK a defining force in modern thrash, highlighting their technical precision and continued evolution.
Alongside the release, HAVOK have announced an extensive 2026 touring schedule across the United States, Latin America, and Europe. The run includes headline shows beginning June 1 in Omaha, NE, followed by a major U.S. tour alongside Killswitch Engage, Machine Head, and Iron Reagan.
HAVOK’s live schedule will see them hitting major venues including Brooklyn Paramount, The Warfield, The Hollywood Palladium, and more, reinforcing their reputation as one of modern thrash’s most relentless live acts.
Since forming, HAVOK have built a legacy through releases such as Burn, Time Is Up, Unnatural Selection, Conformicide, and V, while sharing stages with some of metal’s biggest names worldwide. Their recent independent EP New Eyes (2024) marked another step forward in their evolving sound.
With new music and a global tour cycle underway, HAVOK continue to push thrash metal forward with precision, aggression, and renewed momentum.