Slaughter to Prevail
Slaughter to Prevail is a deathcore band formed in 2014 in Yekaterinburg, Russia, by vocalist Aleksandr "Alex Terrible" Shikolai and guitarist Jack Simmons.[1][2] Currently based in Orlando, Florida, the band's lineup includes Russian musicians Dmitry Mamedov on rhythm guitar, Mikhail Petrov on bass, and Evgeny Novikov on drums, alongside Simmons.[3][2] Signed to Sumerian Records, Slaughter to Prevail has released four studio albums—Chapters of Misery (2016), Misery Sermon (2017), Kostolom (2021), and Grizzly (2025)—along with a live album, Live in Moscow (2023), blending brutal deathcore riffs, guttural vocals, and occasional nu-metal and symphonic elements.[4][5][6] The group has built a reputation through extensive international touring, including appearances at festivals like Knotfest and Warped Tour, and singles such as "Viking" (2023) and "Conflict" (2024).[7][2] Notable for Alex Terrible's extreme vocal style and the band's aggressive, groove-heavy sound, Slaughter to Prevail has achieved prominence in the modern metal scene despite facing controversies, including tour management disputes leading to staff departures and allegations of extremist sympathies tied to Terrible's Black Sun tattoo and past online statements, which the band has denied as misinterpretations unrelated to neo-Nazism or prejudice.[8][9][10]History
2014–2016: Formation and Chapters of Misery
Slaughter to Prevail was founded in 2014 through an online collaboration between Russian vocalist Aleksandr Shikolai, known professionally as Alex Terrible, and British guitarist Jack Simmons, who connected over shared interests in deathcore.[1][11] Terrible, who had gained initial attention via YouTube covers of extreme metal tracks starting around 2014, provided the band's signature guttural vocals, while Simmons contributed guitar riffs rooted in deathcore aggression.[12] The duo recruited Russian drummer Anton Poddyachy to complete the core early lineup, establishing a cross-cultural foundation blending Russian intensity with British technical elements, initially based in Yekaterinburg, Russia.[1][13] The band's formative period emphasized deathcore fundamentals, with Terrible's extreme vocal delivery—characterized by deep growls and pig squeals—emerging as a defining feature amid raw, breakdown-heavy compositions. Early sessions focused on assembling a full lineup, incorporating additional Russian musicians such as guitarist Dmitry Mamedov by 2015, while maintaining an independent ethos without initial major label support.[11] This phase involved grassroots promotion through social media and online platforms, leveraging Terrible's pre-existing YouTube presence to build a niche following in the underground metal scene.[12] On May 25, 2015, Slaughter to Prevail self-released their debut EP, Chapters of Misery, consisting of four tracks that showcased unpolished production, relentless blast beats from Poddyachy, and Simmons' riff-driven structures.[14] The EP's raw sound and Terrible's visceral screams on songs like "Demon Among Us" highlighted the band's aggressive deathcore style, garnering underground acclaim and paving the way for their signing to Sumerian Records in 2016.[14] Prior to the EP's release, the band undertook small-scale independent tours across Europe in early 2015, including stops at festivals like Neurotic Deathfest and Doom Rotten Deathfest, as well as club shows such as one at Elfer Club in Frankfurt on April 15.[15][16] These performances relied on self-promotion and limited resources, focusing on building live momentum through high-energy sets that emphasized Terrible's commanding stage presence and the group's technical brutality, despite logistical challenges inherent to an emerging international act.[15]2017–2018: Misery Sermon and early tours
Slaughter to Prevail signed with Sumerian Records on January 29, 2016, which facilitated broader international distribution and professional production resources for their debut full-length album.[17] The band released Misery Sermon on May 5, 2017, through the label, featuring ten tracks characterized by aggressive deathcore riffs, guttural vocals from Alex Terrible, and heavy breakdowns.[18] [19] Tracks such as "Demolisher" drew attention for their intense, mosh-inducing breakdowns, contributing to the album's underground buzz within the metal community.[20] The album marked the band's transition from regional EP releases to a more established presence, with Sumerian's backing enabling music videos and promotional streams that amplified visibility.[21] Core members Alex Terrible on vocals and Luka Gargiulo on guitar maintained stability, though the supporting lineup saw minor adjustments typical of touring acts in the genre.[18] In support of Misery Sermon, Slaughter to Prevail undertook extensive touring, including the Summer Slaughter Tour starting July 27, 2017, alongside headliners like The Black Dahlia Murder and Dying Fetus, as well as acts such as Oceano and Rings of Saturn.[22] The band played 109 shows in 2017 and 80 in 2018, focusing on North American and European dates that showcased Terrible's visceral stage presence and the group's high-energy performances, fostering a dedicated fanbase through relentless live intensity despite occasional logistical setbacks like visa-related absences early in the Summer Slaughter run.[23] [24]2019–2021: Kostolom and lineup stability
Slaughter to Prevail maintained a stable lineup during this period, featuring vocalist Alex Terrible, guitarist Jack Simmons, rhythm guitarist Dmitry Mamedov (joined 2015), bassist Mikhail Petrov (joined 2016), and drummer Andrei Stepanov, with no reported departures or additions until later years.[25] This consistency followed earlier turnover and supported focused creative efforts amid external disruptions. The band toured extensively in 2019, completing 67 concerts across Europe, North America, and Russia, building on momentum from prior releases.[26] The COVID-19 pandemic curtailed international touring in 2020 and much of 2021, shifting emphasis to album production and domestic performances, such as a April 2021 show in Moscow as part of the Demolisher Tour.[27] [28] This isolation period allowed maturation in songwriting, culminating in the second studio album Kostolom (Russian for "bone-crusher"), released on August 13, 2021, via Sumerian Records.[29] Preceded by singles including "Baba Yaga" on May 21, 2021—which drew from Slavic folklore for its title and infused deathcore with groove metal and nu-metal elements evoking Russian cultural motifs—the album featured Russian-language tracks like "Bratva" and "Made in Russia," emphasizing themes of identity and brutality.[30] [31] Despite limited live activity, Kostolom contributed to rising visibility on streaming platforms, with tracks like "Demolisher" gaining traction among deathcore audiences and underscoring the band's evolution toward heavier, culturally rooted aggression.[32] This era marked a pivot from relentless touring to sustained digital engagement, solidifying core membership as a foundation for future output.[25]2022–2025: Grizzly, touring expansion, and future plans
In October 2024, Slaughter to Prevail released the single "Behelit," which featured aggressive deathcore riffs and served as an early indicator of the thematic intensity for their forthcoming album.[33] On April 8, 2025, vocalist Alex Terrible announced his financial support for two orphaned bear cubs, Kodi and Harley, rescued in Russia, with plans to raise funds through band merchandise; this personal initiative directly inspired the bear-centric branding for the band's next release.[34][35] The band revealed their third studio album, Grizzly, on April 23, 2025, alongside the lead single "Russian Grizzly In America," which debuted with a music video emphasizing primal, wilderness motifs tied to Terrible's bear involvement; Grizzly was released on July 18, 2025, via Sumerian Records.[36][37] Grizzly achieved immediate commercial impact, topping the Hard Music chart and reaching number three on the Current Rock Albums chart upon release.[38] The band intensified their live presence in 2025, performing at high-profile events including Warped Tour weekends in Washington, DC (June 14–15), Long Beach, CA (July 26–27), and Orlando, FL (November 15–16), as well as Knotfest Mexico on December 6.[39][40][41] On October 1, 2025, Terrible disclosed plans for a touring break in 2027–2028 to prioritize family time and new material composition, positioning 2026 as the band's most extensive final run before the pause.[42][43] This era solidified the band's international momentum, bolstered by music video views exceeding millions and sustained streaming growth to over 1.5 million monthly Spotify listeners.[32]Musical style and influences
Core stylistic elements
Slaughter to Prevail's foundational sound anchors in deathcore aggression, defined by Alex Terrible's guttural growls, high-pitched screams, and multi-layered harsh vocals that emphasize visceral intensity.[44][45] These vocal techniques pair with rhythmic elements like syncopated breakdowns, blast beats, and groove-heavy, djent-inspired chugging riffs, creating a dense wall of sound driven by palm-muted guitar patterns and relentless percussion.[44][45] Dynamic variation arises from occasional clean vocals and atmospheric synths or orchestral layers, providing contrast amid the brutality without softening the core heaviness.[46] Lyrical content centers on themes of fantastical violence, personal turmoil, and cultural defiance, conveyed through English lyrics interspersed with Russian phrases to evoke authenticity rooted in the band's origins.[47][48] Production prioritizes raw, crushing tones with thick guitar distortion and high-tempo pacing, favoring unrefined ferocity over excessive polish to amplify the music's confrontational edge.[49][45]Evolution and influences
Slaughter to Prevail's early output adhered closely to deathcore conventions, emphasizing guttural vocals and breakdown-heavy structures inspired by acts like Suicide Silence for rhythmic intensity and Carnifex for unrelenting aggression.[1] By the release of Kostolom in 2021, the band began integrating nu-metal grooves and percussive elements reminiscent of Slipknot, expanding beyond rigid deathcore parameters while preserving brutal dynamics.[50] This progression mirrored Bring Me the Horizon's trajectory from deathcore roots to broader metallic experimentation, allowing Slaughter to Prevail to layer atmospheric tension over core extremity.[1] The 2022 album Grizzly further diversified the sound with symphonic flourishes, electronic undertones, and stomping riff patterns that evoked Rammstein's industrial heft, alongside occasional Russian folk-inspired bridges featuring rumbling bass and thematic motifs tied to cultural folklore.[51][52] These additions reflected adaptation to contemporary production trends, including video-centric promotion that amplified the band's visceral appeal without diluting heaviness, as guitarist Jack Simmons has cited Slipknot's multifaceted influence on both composition and presentation.[53] Unlike peers softening for mainstream accessibility, Slaughter to Prevail sustained extremity through chaotic surprises and militant grooves, positioning Grizzly as a fusion of deathcore ferocity with nu-metal revivalism and Eastern metallic traditions.[54][55]Band members
Current members
Alex Terrible serves as the lead vocalist since the band's formation in 2014, delivering a wide vocal range that includes guttural growls, high-pitched screams, and occasional cleans, central to the group's deathcore intensity.[25][2] Jack Simmons has been the primary guitarist since 2014, responsible for crafting intricate riffs and serving as a key songwriter that shapes the band's technical and aggressive musical foundation.[25][2] Dmitry Mamedov joined on rhythm guitar in 2015, contributing melodic elements and precise shredding during live performances to complement the core heaviness.[25][2] Mikhail Petrov has handled bass duties since 2016, providing the foundational low-end groove that supports both studio recordings and touring sets.[25][2] Evgeny Novikov has been the drummer since 2018, executing complex blast beats and dynamic fills essential to the band's high-speed rhythms.[25][2][56]Former members
The band's initial lineup underwent several changes in its formative years, primarily involving Russian musicians recruited by vocalist Alex Terrible and guitarist Jack Simmons. Drummer Anton Poddyachy served from 2014 to 2018, contributing to the debut EP Chapters of Misery (2015) and the full-length album Misery Sermon (2017), before departing amid the band's relocation to the United States and increased touring demands.[2][5] Bassist Filipp Kucheryavyh was active from 2014 to 2016, appearing on early recordings but exiting as the group sought greater stability for international commitments.[2][25] Guitar positions saw the most turnover initially, with Maxim Zadorin handling duties from 2014 to 2015, followed briefly by Samuel Baker (2015–2016) and Yaroslav "Slava" Antonenko (2014–2016), whose departures aligned with the solidification of the core songwriting duo of Terrible and Simmons.[5][2] These shifts reflected challenges in maintaining a cohesive unit across Russia and the UK amid early label pursuits and EP production, but post-2018 adjustments emphasized lineup retention to support expanded releases like Kostolom (2021).[25] No further core member exits have been documented since Poddyachy's departure, underscoring improved continuity for touring and album cycles.[2]Timeline
Controversies
Allegations of extremist sympathies and symbolism
In September 2025, Slaughter to Prevail vocalist Alex Terrible faced renewed accusations of neo-Nazi sympathies due to a now-covered tattoo of the Schwarze Sonne (Black Sun), a symbol originating in Nazi-era esoteric mysticism and subsequently adopted by white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups in the West.[57][58] The tattoo, visible in older photographs, drew scrutiny amid the band's post-Grizzly touring and media exposure, with detractors citing its appearance as evidence of extremist alignment despite cultural contextual claims from Eastern European perspectives.[57] Additional allegations referenced early social media content and videos from Terrible's pre-band career, including images of him wearing apparel featuring SS runes—symbols tied to the Schutzstaffel (SS), a paramilitary organization central to Nazi atrocities—and a hoodie from White Rex, a brand owned by Russian nationalist and neo-Nazi activist Denis Nikitin.[58] These elements, documented in online archives dating back to around 2015, contributed to the cancellation of a European tour that year, as promoters cited concerns over fascist iconography.[58] Critics argued that such symbolism, even if framed as provocative or ironic in Russian metal subcultures, aligns with far-right aesthetics and risks normalizing extremist visuals in global heavy music scenes.[57] Separate claims of transphobia emerged from interpretations of Terrible's online posts and interview comments, particularly those critiquing gender transition procedures for minors or broader LGBT advocacy, which social media users in 2025 amplified as evidence of discriminatory views.[9] These accusations, lacking direct quotes from peer-reviewed or primary journalistic investigations but fueled by viral threads on platforms like Reddit and Instagram, portrayed the band's aggressive, hyper-masculine imagery—such as militaristic motifs and bear-fighting videos—as implicitly hostile to transgender identities.[59] Broader critiques linked the group's branding, rooted in Russian origins, to pro-extremist nationalism, interpreting skull motifs and combat aesthetics as veiled endorsements of authoritarian or ultranationalist ideologies prevalent in certain Eastern fight club circles.[58]Political stances and flag-waving incidents
In March 2022, shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Slaughter to Prevail's vocalist Aleksandr "Alex Terrible" Shikolai publicly condemned the war, expressing solidarity with Ukraine and urging fans not to generalize blame to all Russian citizens.[60] [61] The band released the track "1984" in August 2022 as an anti-war statement, with lyrics decrying violence in general rather than endorsing any side.[49] This position contrasted with incidents in 2025, when Terrible waved a Russian flag onstage during the band's June 14 performance at the Vans Warped Tour's Washington, D.C. stop at RFK Stadium Grounds, prompting immediate online backlash amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.[62] [63] Critics interpreted the act as nationalist signaling, given the band's Russian origins and the Ukraine conflict's persistence.[64] The band's Russian heritage has fueled targeted scrutiny and calls for boycotts internationally, such as the Ukrainian Association in Finland's July 2025 condemnation of their booking at Tuska Festival, framing it as support for Russian performers despite no explicit political endorsements.[65] Domestically, Russian authorities have restricted the band, frequently canceling shows and labeling them Satanists, which Terrible attributed to government perceptions rather than ideological alignment.[47] Some observers have critiqued elements in albums like Kostolom (2021) for evoking Russian cultural strength and folklore, viewing bilingual lyrics as implicitly nationalist, though the band has not promoted propaganda.[47]Band and member responses
In a September 2025 episode of the Downbeat podcast, Slaughter to Prevail vocalist Alex Terrible explicitly denied holding neo-Nazi or transphobic beliefs, responding "no" to direct questions about being racist, homophobic, or "LGBT-phobic."[9] He attributed past use of symbols like the Black Sun tattoo—obtained at age 19 amid associations with physically disciplined right-wing groups in Russia—to youthful indiscretion and cultural popularity rather than ideological endorsement, noting that such symbols are used by some without Nazi connotations.[9] Terrible stated he covered the tattoo following a 2015 tour cancellation to protect his career, while expressing regret over specific actions like a photo posing with an SS helmet, which he described as "stupid and silly."[9] He emphasized a shift toward esoteric interests like energy and personal growth, framing earlier choices as non-political and tied to traditional family values rather than aggression or hate.[9] Guitarist Jack Simmons, in an October 2025 Ultimate Guitar interview, rejected allegations of Nazi sympathies within the band, asserting that Slaughter to Prevail harbors no far-right leanings or desire to attract "radical shit or people."[66] He acknowledged the controversies as "our own fault" stemming from "bad decisions in the past," such as Terrible's former tattoo, but contextualized symbols like the Black Sun as carrying heritage meanings in Eastern European cultures—citing examples from Ukrainian family traditions—distinct from Nazi appropriation.[66] [67] Simmons highlighted the band's opposition to war, with Terrible personally against it, and positioned their work as promoting cultural pride and musical connection over division, without evidence of hate group affiliations.[66] He described live performances as environments of unity, free from fights, and stressed a commitment to music-making amid online misinterpretations.[66]Reception and impact
Critical and fan reception
Critics have praised Slaughter to Prevail for the primal fury and relentless intensity of albums like Grizzly (2022), highlighting its cathartic beatdowns and fusion of deathcore with nu-metal and symphonic elements as a chaotic evolution within the genre.[68][54] Alex Terrible's vocal prowess, particularly his guttural growls and raw emotional delivery, has been singled out as a peak achievement, elevating tracks through brutal riffs and breakdowns that deliver a visceral aural assault.[69][70] However, some reviews criticize the band's formulaic approach to heaviness, describing Grizzly as overly contrived nu-deathcore with jaded writing and haphazard mishmashes borrowed from superior acts, resulting in an obnoxious and recycled sound despite meaty riffs.[51][71] Earlier works like Kostolom (2021) drew mixed responses for groovy riffs and strong harsh vocals, though clean singing was often deemed whiny and song structures felt repetitive upon repeated listens.[72] The shift toward broader melodic and nu-metal influences has divided opinions, with some viewing it as intricate songwriting progress while others see it as diminishing the niche deathcore edge.[73][74] Fans within the deathcore community exhibit strong devotion, often citing the band's role in introducing them to the genre through its aggressive breakdowns and high-energy output.[75] Live performances generate intense mosh pits and audience participation, with Alex Terrible frequently intervening to assist injured fans, such as helping load one into an ambulance after a fall or pausing shows to aid those in the pit, fostering a reputation for raw, communal brutality.[76][77] This contrasts with backlash from broader audiences outside metal circles, who find the unrelenting heaviness and shock-oriented aesthetics off-putting, limiting appeal beyond dedicated heavy music enthusiasts.[78]Commercial achievements and genre influence
Slaughter to Prevail's commercial milestones include strong chart performances for their releases, with the 2025 album Grizzly debuting at number 1 on the Hard Music chart and number 3 on both the Current Rock Albums and Emerging Artists charts.[38] Earlier efforts like Kostolom (2019) propelled viral singles such as "Demolisher," which has accumulated tens of millions of views on YouTube since its 2020 release.[20] The band's touring success is marked by frequent sell-outs of headline shows and album release events, alongside consistent demand reflected in their 2025-2026 itinerary featuring multiple confirmed sold-out dates across Europe and North America.[39] In terms of genre influence, Slaughter to Prevail has played a key role in advancing deathcore's trajectory through their signature emphasis on slamming breakdowns, dissonant riffs, and unrelenting brutality, often fusing Russian cultural undertones with core death metal elements.[79] As the most popular deathcore act by Spotify metrics, boasting over 1.2 million monthly listeners, they have elevated the subgenre's visibility and inspired subsequent bands to prioritize visceral heaviness over melodic experimentation.[79] Their slots at major festivals, including Knotfest Mexico 2025, Warped Tour 2025, and Louder than Life 2025, demonstrate deathcore's growing integration into broader metal circuits, fostering hybrid influences while maintaining genre purity in extremity.[39][80]Discography
Studio albums
Slaughter to Prevail's debut studio album, Misery Sermon, was released on May 5, 2017, through Sumerian Records and consists of 10 tracks characterized by aggressive deathcore riffs and themes of societal disdain.[81] Standout tracks include the title track "Misery Sermon," clocking in at 5:26 with guttural vocals and breakdown sections, and "Russian Hate," a 3:11 blast of nationalistic fury.[82] The album marked the band's introduction to international audiences following their earlier EPs.[83] The second studio album, Kostolom (translating to "bonecrusher" in English), followed on August 13, 2021, also via Sumerian Records, featuring 12 tracks that incorporate bilingual lyrics in English and Russian to reflect the band's origins.[84] [31] Notable inclusions are "Demolisher," emphasizing heavy instrumentation and Alex Terrible's signature growls, and "Zavali Ebalo" (Russian for "shut your mouth"), which highlights cultural linguistic elements amid deathcore brutality.[85] The release expanded the band's sound with more varied tempos and thematic depth on violence and resilience.[29] Their third studio album, Grizzly, arrived on July 18, 2025, under Sumerian Records, comprising 13 tracks with artwork centered on a grizzly bear motif symbolizing raw ferocity.[36] [86] Key tracks showcase intensified production, including expansive breakdowns and melodic undertones, building on prior works' extremity while maintaining the band's deathcore core.[87]| Album | Release date | Label | Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Misery Sermon | May 5, 2017 | Sumerian Records | 10 |
| Kostolom | August 13, 2021 | Sumerian Records | 12 |
| Grizzly | July 18, 2025 | Sumerian Records | 13 |