Xentrix

Xentrix is a thrash metal band from Preston, United Kingdom. The group forms in 1987 and remains active, and its current members are Chris Astley, Dennis Gasser, Kristian Havard and Paul MacKenzie. The band is pronounced “zen-tricks”.

History

The band begins as Sweet Vengeance in 1984 and changes its name to Xentrix in 1988. It becomes associated with the late 1980s and early-to-mid 1990s underground metal scene in England, and is sometimes grouped with Acid Reign, Onslaught and Sabbat as one of the “big four” of English thrash metal.

Xentrix attracts attention after receiving a five-star review from Kerrang!, which leads Roadrunner Records to contact the band and arrange an audition. The label signs the group, and it records its debut album Shattered Existence in 1989. The band tours with Sabbat in support of the album.

In 1990, Xentrix releases a cover of Ray Parker Jr.’s “Ghostbusters” theme, which brings some publicity because of unauthorised use of the Ghostbusters logo on the original single artwork; the single is later reissued with different cover art. The group also opens for Testament, and later records its second album For Whose Advantage?, which brings further attention and its first music video, for the title track. The band promotes the album with a tour alongside Skyclad and also plays shows with Slayer and Sepultura.

In 1992, Xentrix moves in a more progressive power metal direction on Kin. Although the album receives critical acclaim, it is regarded by some as a misstep. The band makes a video for “The Order of Chaos”, which receives some MTV airplay, and tours with Tankard to support the record.

After a hiatus, Xentrix returns in 1996 with Scourge, following lineup changes that replace Chris Astley with Simon Gordon on vocals and Andy Rudd on guitar. The band splits shortly after the album’s release, citing the decline of the British metal scene.

Reunions and later activity

Xentrix briefly reunites in 2005 for a small number of dates and plays a handful of UK shows in 2006, including a show with Onslaught and Evile, before splitting again later that year. The classic line-up returns in 2013 for a UK tour with Kreator and Evile. Paul MacKenzie later leaves and is replaced by Chris Shires. The band announces new material and plays “World of Mouth” live in 2014, including it in sets supporting Overkill on a UK tour.

In 2015, Xentrix tours the UK with a reunited Acid Reign and Shrapnel. In 2017, Chris Astley leaves and Jay Walsh takes his place. The band releases Bury the Pain in 2019, its first studio album in 23 years. By 2021 and 2022, the group is writing and recording follow-up material, and later announces the album Seven Words.

Style and releases

Xentrix is a UK thrash metal band whose early output includes Shattered Existence (1989), For Whose Advantage? (1990), Kin (1992) and Scourge (1996). Its later work includes Bury the Pain and Seven Words.