Vicious Rumors is an American power metal band formed in 1979 in the San Francisco Bay Area by guitarist and vocalist Geoff Thorpe. The band began performing live in the early 1980s and released their first full-length album, "Soldiers of the Night," in 1985. This album helped establish their presence in the power metal scene. Early lineups included guitarist Vinnie Moore, who was recommended by Shrapnel Records founder Mike Varney.
In 1986, the band introduced vocalist Carl Albert and guitarist Mark McGee, solidifying what became considered the classic lineup. Their second album, "Digital Dictator," released under Shrapnel Records, contributed to defining their signature sound and gained popularity in the US, Europe, and Japan. The band toured extensively, appearing at festivals such as Dynamo Open Air and the Dutch Aardschok Festival. In 1989, Vicious Rumors signed with Atlantic Records, releasing a self-titled album in 1990, followed by "Welcome to the Ball" in 1991, which received nominations at the Bay Area Music Awards. Their music videos gained exposure on MTV's Headbangers Ball.
After a live album release and a period of touring, Geoff Thorpe underwent surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, during which the band left Atlantic Records and parted ways with bassist Dave Starr. Tommy Sisco joined on bass, and the band released "Word of Mouth" in 1994, which included a tribute to Criss Oliva of Savatage. The album was well received, and the band toured Europe and played festivals with groups such as Accept.
In 1995, vocalist Carl Albert died in a car accident. Following this, Mark McGee left the band and was replaced by Steve Smyth. Thorpe took over vocal duties for the 1996 album "Something Burning." Subsequent releases included "Cyberchrist" (1998) with Brian O'Connor on vocals and "Sadistic Symphony" (2001) featuring Morgan Thorn. These albums displayed a shift towards a groove-oriented sound. The band underwent several lineup changes, with multiple musicians filling bass, guitar, and drum roles.
Between 2002 and 2003, Thorpe contributed to recordings for the album "The Lake of Memory" by 7th Order, which received radio airplay. From 2004, Vicious Rumors held reunions and released the "Crushing the World" DVD in 2005, which included unreleased tracks. The 2006 album "Warball," released through Mascot Records and featuring contributions from members of Night Ranger, Helstar, and others, was viewed as a return to their traditional sound. The band continued to perform in Europe and the US with various lineup changes through the late 2000s.
In 2011, Vicious Rumors released "Razorback Killers" on SPV Records, featuring guest musicians and marking new members’ recording debuts. The band toured extensively in Europe and participated in events such as the 70000 Tons of Metal cruise. A live album, "Live You to Death," was released in 2012.
Their 2013 album "Electric Punishment" saw further lineup adjustments, including the addition of European members. The band continued to tour widely across Europe, the Americas, and South America, performing at numerous festivals and releasing a second live album, "Live You to Death 2: American Punishment," in 2014. They began work on their twelfth studio album, "Concussion Protocol," released in 2016, followed by European tours.
In 2017 and 2018, the band experienced additional personnel changes, including the return of vocalist Brian Allen and the introduction of new members. They commemorated the 30th anniversary of "Digital Dictator" with a world tour. In 2020, the album "Celebration Decay" was released, featuring new members and guest musicians.
In 2022, former Metal Church vocalist Ronny Munroe joined the band but departed in 2023 due to medical reasons, with Brian Allen returning as vocalist. Drummer Larry Howe, a longstanding member after Geoff Thorpe, announced his departure in 2024 but later returned. Subsequently, vocalist Brian Allen and guitarist Gunnar DuGrey also left the band. Denver Cooper joined as guitarist, and Brian "Chalice" Betterton was announced as the new vocalist.
Vicious Rumors’ latest studio album, "The Devil’s Asylum," is scheduled for release on August 29, 2025.
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2. A British Oi! / Punk band active from 1979 to 1988 and who released 2 albums on Roddy Moreno's "Oi! Records" and participated in several Oi! compilations.
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…shrink me down again