Undead Apes: The Industrial Metal Provocateurs

Undead Apes is an American industrial metal band known for its aggressive fusion of mechanical rhythms and visceral guitar work. The group, formed in Los Angeles, achieved a notable commercial milestone when their second album, 'Circuitry of the Damned,' debuted in the Top 20 of the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums chart in 2018.

Early career

Undead Apes coalesced in 2012 from the remnants of several local metal and electronic projects. Founding members vocalist/programmer Rex Harlock and guitarist Vince "VK" Kaine built a formidable live reputation in LA's underground venues, self-releasing their raw debut EP, 'Neon Primates,' in 2014.

This early work caught the attention of independent label Rusted Circuit Records, which signed the band and reissued the EP. The partnership provided the resources for the band to refine their signature sound for a full-length album.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with their sophomore album, 'Circuitry of the Damned.' Released via Rusted Circuit with distribution through a major label partner, the album's lead single gained traction on satellite radio and streaming rock playlists.

This propelled 'Circuitry of the Damned' to number 18 on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums chart, a significant feat for an industrial metal act. The album's sustained sales in the niche genre eventually earned it a certification of Gold from the RIAA for over 500,000 units sold.

Key tracks

Wired for Hostility — This crushing lead single from 'Circuitry of the Damned' became the band's first track to top the mainstream rock radio charts.

God of Rust — A collaboration with legendary producer and former Ministry member William "Bill" Rieflin, this track is celebrated for its complex, layered production.

Neon Primates — The title track from their debut EP remains a fan-favorite live staple, showcasing their foundational blend of punk energy and synthetic noise.

Asphalt and Blood — Featured on the soundtrack to the video game 'Cyberfury 2077,' this song significantly expanded the band's global audience.

The success of 'Circuitry of the Damned' led to major festival slots and a support tour with industrial metal giants. Their follow-up, 2021's 'Anti-Life Equation,' debuted even higher on the charts, cementing their status as leaders of the modern industrial metal scene.

Undead Apes have since engaged in notable collaborations, including a featured vocal from Code Orange's Jami Morgan and a remix for the band 3Teeth. They continue to headline tours, consistently pushing the boundaries of their aggressive electronic-metal hybrid.

Fans of the band's abrasive synth-metal sound also gravitate towards artists like 3Teeth, who share a similar dystopian aesthetic and heavy electronic foundation. The rhythmic intensity of Ministry is a clear foundational influence on Undead Apes' music. Listeners may also appreciate the modern industrial approach of Health, which merges noise and melody in a comparable way. The cyberpunk themes and aggressive delivery of King 810, though from a different genre branch, also resonate with Undead Apes' audience.

The music of Undead Apes maintains a strong presence on radio formats that cater to heavy and alternative sounds. Their singles are in regular rotation on nationally syndicated hard rock and metal shows, as well as on dedicated online radio streams focusing on industrial and alternative metal.

You can hear the powerful industrial metal of Undead Apes on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Discover their chart-topping tracks and deep cuts by tuning into the hard rock and specialty metal stations available on our platform.