Premiere late-80's Los Angeles-based thrash metal outfit Agent Steel has reformed! Contemporaries Slayer and Abattoir helped jump-start the thrash scene in L.A., but Agent Steel defined a style all their own, driven by progressive rock sensibilities and an obsession with extraterrestrial life and conspiracy theories -- years before The X-Files was a twinkle in Chris Carter's eyes. Three releases on Combat Records (Skeptics Apocalypse, Mad Locust Rising, Unstoppable Force) nurtured a rabid fan base within the then-exploding metal scene. The band's fascination with the unknown even led to a temporarily relocation to Florida, which offered proximity to the Bermuda Triangle (among other things). Soon thereafter personality conflicts tore the band apart, and a tabloid-style run-in with law enforcement authorities in Arizona mysteriously sealed Agent Steel's first chapter in the history of metal.

With the reissue of the band's catalog by Century Media, Agent Steel was brought back together and reformed officially in 1999. Omega Conspiracy was the result, a furious piece of work available on Candlelight Records in Europe and soon to be released on Metal Blade Records in the US. After nearly ten years of silence, Agent Steel circa 2000 finds the band rekindling a sound once referred to as "Iron Maiden on speed," with the new lineup sounding right at home beside the hard rock flavors of the moment -- except with the added punch of precision musicianship. Replacing the group's mysteriously-vanished former vocalist John Cyriis is ex-Grinchfist frontman Bruce Hall. The core group of Juan Garcia (guitar), Bernie Versailles (guitar), and Chuck Profus (drums) is joined on bass by Carlos, of the former Garcia side project EVILDEAD. A live debut for 35,000 at the Wacken Festival in Germany in late 1999 was followed by an extensive European tour in early 2000.

"Brainwashed", a new internet-only single found exclusively on MUSICBLITZ, is a breath of fresh air from the dank metal coffin seemingly sealed years ago. Wailing vocals a la Fates Warning shine in front of a powerful, classic curtain of sound. Thunderous double-bass and lead-heavy guitars ring through loud and clear thanks to near-perfect production. Old fans will notice a mature songwriting effort that stretches beyond the pure fury of Conspiracy, while new fans can get a welcome taste of Agent Steel's blend of muscle, mind, and metal.