heavy-metal-darkness: Vanishment |…And Now We Die |M-Theory Audio

Friday, March 13, 2026

Vanishment |…And Now We Die |M-Theory Audio

Release Date January 23^rd, 2026
Format CD/LP/Cassette/Digital
Genre Heavy/Thrash Metal
Country United States

Formed up in the Seattle suburbs back in 2019, Vanishment brings together veterans from the underground scene. The lineup boasts guys who previously shredded in Himsa, Lair Of The Minotaur, Hell Promise, Trial, and Earthen Grave. They spent their early days locked in the jam room worshiping the golden era of Metallica, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, and Judas Priest. That dedication resulted in their 2023 self-released debut "No More Torture". Following tons of gigs supporting rippers like Warbringer, Flotsam & Jetsam, Mutoid Man, and Accused A.D. across the Pacific Northwest, they inked a deal with M-Theory Audio for their sophomore strike, "...And Now We Die".

The new album delivers a furious assault of traditional heavy metal crashing into thrash. Vanishment ignores the cheesy fantasy garbage taking over the scene right now. Instead, they focus entirely on riffs, grooves, and pure aggression. The guitars from Brian Johnson and Jeremy Mcallister trade fast, aggressive picking alongside slower, crushing doom-tinged sections. You get the harmony and the thunder expected from guys who have been playing loud music for decades. It is a very raw and bloody approach to metal music. They strip away any unnecessary junk to give the listener straightforward, headbanging material.

Rob Ropkins screams and sings over the chaos, adding a harsh edge to the classic metal structures. Underneath those vocals, Nate Baker on bass and Chris Wozniak on drums lock into a massive, driving groove. The production handled by Nicholas Wilbur at Anacortes Unknown and mastering by Alan Douches ensures the guitars punch through the speakers. Everything strikes the eardrums properly. The album rules for a weekend drive or a loud house party. Sometimes the pacing of the tracks blends together, keeping it from absolute perfection. Even so, the riffs supply the damage you expect from a heavy metal release.

"...And Now We Die" proves Vanishment writes genuinely heavy music. They capture a serious DIY mentality mixed with real musical chops. Fans of zero-nonsense thrash and metal will definitely bang their heads to these songs. The M-Theory Audio physical editions include green vinyl, cassette, and CD for the physical media collectors. It is an extremely cool sophomore output. Turn up the volume and let the riffs do the talking.

Score: 7.5