Act of Defiance: Modern American Thrash and Groove Metal
Act of Defiance is an American heavy metal band formed in 2014 by former Megadeth members Chris Broderick and Shawn Drover. The group quickly established itself as a formidable force in modern thrash and groove metal, releasing its debut album to strong critical reception and charting on the Billboard 200.
Early career
Act of Defiance was founded in 2014 following the departure of guitarist Chris Broderick and drummer Shawn Drover from the legendary band Megadeth. The duo immediately recruited vocalist Henry Derek Bonner and bassist Matt Bachand, known for his work with Shadows Fall, to complete the lineup. The band signed with Metal Blade Records and began recording their first material within months of forming.
Breakthrough
The band's debut album, Birth and the Burial, was released in August 2015. It entered the Billboard 200 at number 177 and also charted on the Top Hard Rock Albums and Top Rock Albums charts. This immediate commercial entry demonstrated a ready audience for the band's aggressive, technically proficient sound, solidifying their place in the modern metal scene.
Key tracks
Throwback — This lead single showcased the band's blend of thrash speed and melodic hooks right from their debut.
Legion of Lies — A track highlighting the intricate guitar work of Chris Broderick and the powerful vocals of Henry Derek Bonner.
Overexposure — Featured on their second album, this song exemplifies the band's evolution into a darker, more groove-oriented direction.
M.I.A. — This song from their debut is noted for its complex structure and relentless rhythmic assault.
Another Killing Spree — A standout track that captures the band's raw energy and political lyrical themes.
Their sophomore album, Old Scars, New Wounds, arrived in 2017, further refining their sound with a focus on heavy grooves and sharp production. The band has toured extensively, sharing stages with acts like Killswitch Engage and Trivium, building a dedicated live following. While no major certifications have been reported, their consistent output under the Metal Blade banner maintains their relevance.
Fans of Act of Defiance also appreciate the work of similar American metal acts. Shadows Fall shares a similar blend of melodic death and thrash metal intensity. Megadeth is the obvious foundational influence, particularly in technical riffcraft. Lamb of God offers a comparable approach to modern groove-oriented thrash metal. Trivium operates in a similar space of modern, technically adept heavy metal.
The music of Act of Defiance is a staple on many hard rock and metal-focused radio stations. Their tracks regularly appear in rotations on specialty metal shows, online rock radio streams, and independent music radio stations that champion aggressive, guitar-driven music.
You can hear the powerful thrash and groove metal of Act of Defiance on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover their discography, from Birth and the Burial to Old Scars, New Wounds, through the various metal and hard rock radio stations available on onairium.com.
