Bio

1985

ASSASSIN were founded 1985 in Düsseldorf / Germany and after two successfull demo-tapes, the band was signed by record company SPV / Steamhammer.

1987 - 1989

1987 the first album “The Upcoming Terror” and one year later the second album “Interstellar Experience” were recorded and released.

In 1989 the band split up after some problems and a raid in the rehearsal room.

2002

2002 ASSASSIN were re founded and did their first show at the Wacken Open Air in 2003.

2005 - 2009

In 2005 the band recorded and published their third album “The Club” with their own label “AGD Records”, after ASSASSIN played shows all over Europe.

In 2009 the band recorded a demo and a year later old fellows SPV / Steamhammer signed ASSASSIN once again.

April 2010 the band were offered to play a tour in Asia and they went off to play shows in Beijing and at the True Thrash Fest / Osaka.

2010 - 2012

In summer 2010 the band recorded their fourth album “Breaking The Silence” with producer Harris Johns, which was released in February 2011.

In Summer 2011 the first two albums were released as a remaster named “Chronicles of Resistance” with a lot of bonus material.

After release they went on tour in countries like Greece, Poland, Denmark and Sweden once again.

In 2012 the band played an outstanding South-America tour in countries like Brasil, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and Chile.

2013 - 2017

A year later ASSASSIN released their first DVD “Chaos and Live Shots” with SPV / Steamhammer again.

Beginning 2014 singer Robert Gonnella left the band. ASSASSIN decided to go on and with Ingo “Crowzak” Bajonczak the band found an outstanding new singer to perform the upcomimg shows.

In October 2015 they went into the studio again to record their latest album “Combat Cathedral”. It was released May 2016 by SPV again.

Short time before the release Michael Hoffmann decided to leave the band because of different musical opinions.

A more than a substitute was found quickly with FRANK BLACKFIRE, formaly known as guitarist of Sodom and Kreator.

Since September 2016 ASSASSIN are playing shows all over the world in this new line-up!

2018 - 2022

In the beginning of 2018 Frank returned to Sodom but still stayed at Assassin but in reality more likely as an live guitarist and specially as a good friend. So Assassin ́s last album “Bestia Immundis” (which was assessed in a lot of reviews as the best album of Assassin after The Upcoming Terror) was done almost exclusively by 4 musicians and released in the beginning of 2020 by their new label Massacre Records shorty before Covid-19 stopped the world.

During the world stands still the german record label High Roller Records contacted Assassin. High Roller records is a well known small label which re-released legendary stuff from the past. As a result they present in march 2021 the first demos “Holy Terror” (1985) and “The Saga of Nemesis" (1986) in wonderful colored vinyl and also on CD.

ASSASSIN AFTER THE PANDEMIC SINCE 2022

*Assassin returns: The thrash metal icons conquer the world again! 

After the long restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, thrash metal legends ASSASSIN returned with a brilliant comeback. Their return to international stages was a triumph: they not only wowed audiences at festivals in their home country, but also captivated crowds abroad. 

Highlights included:

- HellPdays Festival

- MISE Open Air

- Ruhrpott Metal Meeting

These gigs were the proof: ASSASSIN are unstoppable and continue to shake the thrash metal world!

Oldschool Thrash Meeting: cult event in Düsseldorf (March 2023)

In their hometown of Düsseldorf, *Assassin* organized the first “Oldschool Thrash Meeting” - a tribute to the beginnings of thrash metal in the 80s. The event was a complete success and inspired numerous imitators. But nothing comes close to the original, which captures the true spirit of the thrash era!

Bestia Immundis: The classic reissued (summer 2023)

Due to overwhelming demand for their acclaimed album Bestia Immundis, Massacre Records released a final, strictly limited edition on green vinyl. The edition, which has already sold out three times, underlines: ASSASSIN hits the heart of the thrash metal community!

South American tour: A triumph after 11 years (September 2023)

After more than a decade, ASSASSIN returned to South America - a region known for its fanatical metal community. Accompanied by guitarist Stefano “Steve” Smura, who stood in for Frank Blackfire when he was on the road with Sodom, they delivered a series of unforgettable shows. The audience celebrated the band like true thrash heroes!

The return of the classics: new edition in April 2024

A special highlight for fans of the first hour: *High Roller Records* is reissuing the legendary albums “The Upcoming Terror” and “Interstellar Experience”. Whether on CD, vinyl or cassette - these reissues are an absolute must for every thrash metal fan!

Swamp Thing as a VR experience: world premiere in September 2024!

On September 13, 2024, the song “Swamp Thing” from the album “Bestia Immundis” will celebrate its world premiere as a virtual reality video on Hugh Hou's largest VR channel on YouTube. Even without VR glasses, this immersive experience will amaze the metal world!

*SKULLBLAST: ASSASSIN unleashes a new thrash attack!

In December 2023, the legendary thrash metal band ASSASSIN (with the line-up *Scholli / Ingo / Joachim / Burn and Steve) started songwriting for their next masterpiece: the very first EP in the band's history - “SKULLBLAST”! This release marks a new high point in the career of the thrash titans and promises pure, unadulterated energy.

Five tracks full of power

The “SKULLBLAST EP” features four brand new thrash songs that combine the classic Assassin sound with a fresh, explosive energy. As a special highlight, there is also an unconventional cover version of the classic *"THE GREEN MANALISHI (WITH THE TWO PRONG CROWN) by Peter Allen Green. Of course in the unmistakable style of ASSASSIN!

*Single and videos: “SKULLBLAST” in full force!

On October 1, 2024, the title track “SKULLBLAST” was released as a single, accompanied by a gripping lyric video on YouTube. But that's not all: there is also a lyric video for each of the four other songs on the official ASSASSIN YouTube channel.

Release of the EP: November 8, 2024

The complete “SKULLBLAST” EP will be released on November 8, 2024 via Massacre Records. 

The work will be available in different formats:

- Vinyl in three limited colors (red, clear, black)

- CD edition

It is already clear that “SKULLBLAST” has not only been well received by fans, but also by the trade press. The reviews speak for themselves: ASSASSIN deliver once again!

EUROPEAN SKULLBLAST TOUR 2024: Experience thrash fireworks live!

On the big “European SKULLBLAST Tour 2024”, ASSASSIN presented the new material live and shared the stage as headliners with their thrash colleagues from Nuclear (Chile) and Burden of Grief (Germany). The setlist was a mix of classics and new tracks that sent the fans into ecstasy - a true thrash metal offensive!

*VR documentary: SKULLBLAST - Thrash Unchained

Another highlight: The VR documentary “SKULLBLAST - Thrash Unchained” will be released on November 11, 2024. This immersive experience offers exclusive insights into the studio work and shows impressive live recordings of the current tour. The documentary is already available on the Apple Vision Pro via Spacevibes and reached number 1 in the YouTube VR playlist!

Hugh Hou's largest VR channel also presents this highlight. (You can also watch it without VR glasses!)

ASSASSIN prove once again with “SKULLBLAST” why they belong to the true titans of thrash metal. This EP is not just another milestone, but a clear statement: Thrash is alive - and it's angrier than ever! 

ASSASSIN HAS BEEN WORKING SUCCESSFULLY WITH THE BOOKING COMPANY LUCKY BOB MUSIC AGENCY (PROFESSIONAL MUSIC MANAGEMENT AND TOUR BOOKING SERVICES) SINCE APRIL 2023.

2025

ASSASSIN celebrates 40th anniversary of the band and is happy to share it with the FANS worldwide!!!

THX for your support und “Keep On Thrashing!!!” See you !!!

ASSASSIN has already confirmed shows abroad 2025, as well as headliner shows in

Mexico / Switzerland / Czech Republic and other countries are planned.