Former HAVOK and MACHINE HEAD guitarist Reece Scruggs has unveiled his new project BURNING HAMMER, built around his own musical vision. Bringing together thrash metal and death metal with technical guitar approaches and punk-based structures, the project has emerged with its debut single, ‘Rabid Lycanthropy’.

Joining Scruggs on guitars and vocals in BURNING HAMMER, now part of the Nefarious Industries roster, are bassist Noah Martin, known for his work with ARSIS and WOLVEN SPIRIT, and MONOLITH drummer Stefen Burns. With Scruggs handling guitars and vocals, the trio forms the core lineup of the death-thrash project.

The band’s debut single, ‘Rabid Lycanthropy’, offers a first glimpse into the band’s approach. Stefen Burns handled the song’s production, mixing, and mastering at B&M Studios in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia.

The lyric video for ‘Rabid Lycanthropy’ is now available via YouTube. The track is also available on digital platforms.

According to Scruggs, BURNING HAMMER grew out of his desire to bring his own musical vision to life independently. In his words, the project took shape as a creative outlet during a dark and uncertain period. He also describes the music as sitting between death metal and thrash metal, combining technical approaches with punk structures, blackened passages, and lyrical themes drawn from horror cinema.

Martin, meanwhile, explains that the idea for BURNING HAMMER grew from a desire to work with Scruggs after their previous touring connections. The bassist describes the project’s musical approach as a collision of thrash metal, early Shrapnel Records-style guitar work, and the blunt force of death metal, while also noting that the album features solo contributions from numerous guest guitarists.

BURNING HAMMER’s debut studio album, which has yet to receive a title, is scheduled for release in the early months of 2027. Further details about the project are expected to emerge in the coming period.


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