NEWS: HELLEVATE Is Deciding Who is Naughty Or Nice With “Krampusnacht”

Tis the season for mistletoe, Christmas pudding, Auntie Martha’s awful sweaters and of course, Krampus. Krampus the goat demon comes to take away all the children who have misbehaved during the year and this traditional central European folktale gets revisited with the seasonally appropriate track “Krampusnacht” from Kansas City’s HELLEVATE.

Fortunately, it seems we’ve mostly been good this year as we get this new single to bang our heads to instead of getting eaten by a monster. The speed/thrash act revisions the classic tale with a choice blend of hard-hitting riffs and quick drum work that is a welcome respite from the monotony of traditional Christmas music we’ve been forced to endure.

“Krampusnacht” comes from the three-track EP of the same name, which also includes “If You Want Peace…” and “Prepare For War”. It’s a hearty dash of thrash to complement your holidays. So while you’re unwrapping presents and stuffing your face with baked goods, add some Hellevate to your traditions and turn up Krampusnacht.

Listen to “Krampusnacht” on Bandcamp.

Track Listing:
1. Krampusnacht (6:58)
2. If You Want Peace… (0:43)
3. Prepare for War (4:25)
EP Length: 12:07

L-R: Dan “Danowar” Whitmer (Guitar), Erik “Jager” Schmutzler (Vocals), RJ “Machine Gun” Whitmer (Drums), Zack “The Ripper” Burke (Bass), Josh “The Boss” Cole (Guitar). Photo by Jeffery Ulfhednar Allee

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HELLEVATE is an up and coming speed/thrash metal band based out of Kansas City, Missouri.

The band was originally founded by Danöwar in Kansas City in the mid-2000s with the intention of being the most Metal of Heavy Metal bands. Like all bands, the up-and-coming HELLEVATE endured several fluctuating lineups and styles for several years. The band came together in late 2009 with drummer RJ “The Machine Gun” Whitmer (brother of Danöwar), and Zack “The Ripper” Burke on bass guitar. Current vocalist Erik “Jager” Schmutzler and guitarist Josh “The Boss” Cole joined the band in early 2013.

HELLEVATE released the first EP in 2010 and a self-titled full-length album in late 2012. The band released a second EP “Kill Confirmed” in 2014 with the new band lineup along with the full-length album, “Weapons Against Their Will” released in July of 2016.

The band has established itself by sharing the bill with many nationally touring bands, including Exodus, Kreator, Accept, Overkill, Ghoul, Venom Inc., and Danzig, just to name a few. With a great lineup and a bright future ahead of them, HELLEVATE continues to grow as a musical force in the metal world and intends to dominate and annihilate for many years to come.

“Kansas City-based Hellevate fully meets the standards of this great gem, therefore I’d like to recommend their brand new effort to each and everyone hooked on the forces Bay Area Thrash Metal mainly.” – Metal To Infinity

“These sons a bitches are a playing a brand of Metal that so many others don’t have the wit or balls to play.” – The Gauntlet

“This is impressive, first rate songwriting – incorporating a modern fusion of thrash, power, and traditional/classic metal that whips up a frenzy of interest and should be a part of your world if any of these styles receive airplay in your world.” – Dead Rhetoric

“A great amalgamation of power, speed, thrash and death all come siphoning through a traditional metal template.” – Dead Rhetoric