Chicago thrash metal force Misfire celebrated a major release day yesterday, with their sophomore album, Product Of The Environment, hitting the streets via MNRK Heavy. Coinciding with the album drop, the band has premiered a potent new music video for the track “Left For Dead,” which boasts a special guest appearance from Exodus frontman Rob Dukes.
Rob Dukes Lends Voice to Inner Demons
The track “Left For Dead” tackles the theme of internal struggle, with Rob Dukes portraying the antagonistic voice attempting to control Misfire‘s lead vocalist, Tim Jensen.
Jensen explains the concept: “Everyone deals with demons in their mind at one point or another. Loud thoughts that rapidly overthrow one’s peace of mind. This song confronts them with even more volume and intensity and forces them to get out of your head! Joining us on this, we had the honor of having Rob Dukes of Exodus lend his ripping vocals for a crushing guest feature.”
Dukes shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating: “Misfire is a great band. Love the guys and it was an honor to sing on this track. It’s a killer song.”
Inside Product Of The Environment
The new twelve-track album marks a significant step forward for Misfire. While their 2021 debut, Sympathy For The Ignorant, captured their raw energy, Product Of The Environment presents a more polished and mature sound, meticulously crafted with co-producer/engineer John Douglass and mixer Alex Parra (Paladin) in Atlanta. Both Douglass and Parra also contribute guest guitar solos, alongside Rob Cavestany of Death Angel who features on the title track. The striking cover art was created by Rick Zesati.
Product Of The Environment Track Listing:
- “Borrowed Time”
- “Day To Day”
- “All Over The Place”
- “We Went Through Hell”
- “Born To Die”
- “Living The Dream”
- “Left For Dead” (feat. Rob Dukes – Exodus)
- “End Of An Age”
- “Privacy”
- “Twist Of Fate”
- “Artificially Intelligent”
- “Product Of The Environment” (feat. Rob Cavestany – Death Angel)
Fans can find the album on CD, LP, and digital formats. Videos for previous singles “We Went Through Hell” and “Living The Dream” are also available.
The Evolution of Misfire
Founded in 2018 by drummer James Nicademus with the goal of creating therapeutic, full-throttle thrash, Misfire navigated challenging lineup changes before solidifying their current powerhouse roster: Tim Jensen (vocals), Kostadin Kostadinov (guitar), Dan Stapinski (bass/vocals), and Nicademus (drums). The new album reflects their combined talents, blending Jensen‘s aggressive yet melodic vocals, Kostadinov‘s dynamic guitar work, Stapinski‘s grooving bass lines, and Nicademus‘s driving riffs and drumming.
Lyrically, the album tackles themes ranging from digital surveillance (“Artificially Intelligent“, “Privacy“) to personal betrayal (“Twist Of Fate“). Bassist Dan Stapinski notes the depth behind the words: “A lot of lines mean a lot of things to me… Everything has a point of pain, a point of happiness. There’s sadness.”
Misfire on Tour
Catch Misfire live right now as they continue their tour across the US supporting Exodus and Havok. The trek runs until May 13th.
Remaining Tour Dates:
- May 03, 2025 – Kansas City, MO – The Truman
- May 04, 2025 – Indianapolis, IN – Deluxe @ Old National
- May 06, 2025 – Flint, MI – Machine Shop
- May 07, 2025 – St. Louis, MO – Red Flag
- May 08, 2025 – Ft. Wayne, IN – Piere’s
- May 11, 2025 – Birmingham, AL – Workplay
- May 13, 2025 – Asheville, NC – Orange Peel
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