ARTIST: MENACE
TITLE: "Wheel of Spikes"
GENRE: Heavy/Speed Metal
RELEASE DATE: April 24th, 2026
LABEL: Metal On Metal Records
CATALOG ID: MOMR26122
BARCODE: 8022167091228
FORMAT: CD in jewel case • 10 tracks (approx. 45 min.) • 12 pages stapled booklet with lyrics, band photos and info • All full-color
TRACK LISTING:
1. Wheel of Spikes
2. Satanizer
3. Backhander
4. Argento Vivo
5. Shades of Evil
6. The Haunted Disguise
7. Burnin' Ash
8. Death Never Lies
9. Per Aspera ad Inferi
10. The Unmerciful
Total playing time: 45:21
YOUTUBE:
• "Satanizer" static promo clip
• "The Unmerciful" static promo clip
OVERVIEW:
Rising from the Italian underground, MENACE return with their second album, breaking the silence 14 years after their debut full-length. Blazing like a comet blasting through the dark, "Wheel of Spikes" is a no-compromise, full-force strike of burning heavy/speed metal that rips you apart with 10 killer tracks. From speed-driven assaults to crushing mid-tempo sections, every song drags you into the shadowed corners of the soul, walking the line between oblivion and the light within. The sound is rooted in the spirit of the '80s: razor-edged riffs, technically accomplished, blistering solos, pounding drums and bass, and a high-pitched voice that slices the dark, bringing to mind the master of horror metal himself as well as the Metal God. The recording is pristine yet organic; it breathes and it bleeds - plastic production has no place here! The result is an album that feels alive; a testament to what heavy metal means when stripped of everything but its essence. Raw, direct and merciless, this is a true treat for those who worship JUDAS PRIEST, MERCYFUL FATE, KING DIAMOND, VICIOUS RUMORS and EXCITER, and for those who follow their younger peers like MIDNIGHT PRIEST, FORCE OF EVIL, CAGE, RAM, RIOT CITY, SKULL FIST, WOLF or PORTRAIT. The Wheel of Spikes is rolling... and it's coming straight for you!
SELLING POINTS:
• The 2nd full-length of this Italian heavy/speed metal band, formed in 1997.
• Analog recording and organic, old school, but clear production perfect for this style.
• The band is active on the live front again where they showcase their proficiency and passion in full.
• For fans of: Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, Vicious Rumors, Exciter, Midnight Priest, Force of Evil, Cage, Ram, Riot City, Skull Fist, Wolf, Portrait...
Cover art by Roberto Savegnago.
