When Death Protocol stormed onto the scene in January with their debut single “Times Change Truth Does Not,” they weren’t just announcing a band - they were firing a warning shot. Now, with the release of their second single, “Demonic Onslaught,” the Southern California thrashers are making a play for the genre’s crown. Released June 20, 2025 via Rottweiler Records, this track isn’t just a taste of their coming debut album - it’s a statement of intent.
From the very first note, “Demonic Onslaught” drags you under. David Estrada’s riffs are sharp enough to draw blood, tumbling over themselves in a relentless surge. David Priest’s vocals cut through the mix - half snarl, half sermon, all authority. Lead guitarist Nicholas Pelamati delivers solos that shimmer one moment and burn the next, their precision matched only by their ferocity.
The result? A single that’s both instantly addictive and deeply memorable. The band builds their sound on the bones of thrash legends—think Metal Church at their heaviest, but with a modern melodic sensibility and a sense of danger that’s all their own. If “Times Change Truth Does Not” was a warning, “Demonic Onslaught” is the opening salvo of all-out war.
The California thrash scene has always been a breeding ground for new blood and big risks. In 2025, Death Protocol stands out by refusing to play it safe. Their approach is as much about songwriting as it is about aggression. The spoken-word section midway through “Demonic Onslaught” is pure menace, while the chorus lingers long after the final note fades - a rare feat in a genre known for speed over subtlety.
But it’s not all throwback. Production is crisp and muscular, thanks to Rottweiler Records’ commitment to heavy music with polish. This is thrash for the streaming era: brutal, hooky, and impossible to ignore.
With “Demonic Onslaught” as the title track, expectations for the full LP are sky-high. The band’s current lineup - Priest on vocals, Estrada on rhythm guitar, Pelamati on lead - brings both chemistry and technical firepower. Each member has their moment in the spotlight without ever losing sight of the song’s bigger picture.
Rottweiler Records, already known for championing the heaviest and most adventurous acts in metal, seem to have another cult favorite on their hands. For fans of the label’s recent output, Death Protocol is a must-listen.
As the scene looks for the next step forward, “Demonic Onslaught” provides the blueprint. It’s heavy but accessible, melodic without losing any bite. The single is more than a preview - it’s a challenge to every other band out there.
Whether you’re a die-hard thrash fan or just looking for the next big thing, Death Protocol’s latest is essential listening. If the rest of their debut album matches this intensity, 2025 might just be the year Southern California reclaims its place at the top of the metal world.
“Demonic Onslaught” is out June 20, 2025 on Rottweiler Records. Find it on all major streaming platforms - and keep an eye out for the album announcement soon.
For more on Death Protocol, check out Rottweiler Records’ official page and follow the band on Facebook.