PainDemic signs with Gutted Records and adopts “Artist-First” digital strategy via Ampwall

16 de janeiro de 202616 de janeiro de 2026 WarGodsPress PainDemic

Uniting former Hirax and Wargod members with the Cliff Burton Scholarship winner, the band debuts single on Metal Legions Radio and prioritizes high-fidelity audio ahead of mass streaming.

In a move that unites 80s Metal tradition with new direct distribution technologies, the band PainDemic officially announces its signing with the British label Gutted Records. The group kicks off the campaign for their debut single, “FWF,” adopting a staggered release strategy that prioritizes audio fidelity and direct support for the artist. Breaking with the immediate standard of mass streaming services, PainDemic chose the Ampwall platform for the initial exclusive release of “FWF,” launched on Friday, January 16.

Access the music via Ampwall: https://ampwall.com/a/paindemic/album/paindemic

Unlike conventional DSPs (Digital Service Providers), Ampwall operates on a “fan-to-artist” philosophy. It functions as an ecosystem focused on digital and physical merchandising—similar to Bandcamp—but with superior tools for customization and community engagement. By prioritizing Ampwall, PainDemic reinforces its ethos of valuing music as an artifact, not just disposable content, ensuring fans have access to the audio quality intended during production before the compression of commercial streaming services takes over.

Solidifying their global presence, the band celebrates the contract with UK-based Gutted Records. “We are very pleased to announce that we have signed with Gutted Records! Heavy riffs are on the way,” the band declared in an official statement. Under the banner of the new label, the single “FWF” will arrive on Bandcamp on January 30. This date marks the beginning of widespread distribution to the European and American markets, leveraging the label’s established fanbase.

The track began circulating even before its official digital release. “FWF” was featured prominently on Metal Legions Radio, receiving positive feedback and serving as a sonic “test drive” for the audience. PainDemic is not just a new band; it is a recontextualized lesson in California Metal history. The rhythm section is anchored by the original lineup of absolute Hirax classics (Raging Violence and Hate, Fear and Power): Gary Monardo (bass) and Johnnie Tabares (drums).

The band is fronted by Rob Perkins, a vocalist whose trajectory traces back to ColdBlood and Wargod—where he collaborated with figures such as Gene Hoglan and Michelle Meldrum. The contemporary edge lies in the six strings of 23-year-old Cheyenne Scott, winner of the 2023 Cliff Burton Scholarship.

To ensure top-tier production quality, the band recruited legendary producer Bill Metoyer. Known for shaping the sound of Slayer, D.R.I., and Flotsam and Jetsam, Metoyer captured the group’s essence at Travis Dickerson Recording Studio, delivering a mix that maintains the organic feel of the instruments. The debut EP, McGoveney’s House Party, is currently scheduled for release in the winter of 2026.

The band invites the press and fans to follow the release schedule on the following dates:

01/16/26: Exclusive premiere on Ampwall (High-Fidelity focus).
01/30/26: Official release via Gutted Records on Bandcamp.
02/13/26: Availability on Soundcloud.
02/27/26: Global release on all streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer).

Photo: Promotional

PR Agency: www.wargodspress.com.br

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